Abstract: A method for controlling the slip of a tire (1) of an automobile, said tire comprising a tread (3). The method comprises adjusting said slip using the measurement of a variable linked to the surface temperature (T2) of the tread in the contact area (2) of the tire.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intra-wheel rear suspension system moveably supporting a rotating wheel relative to a frame via a concentric hub structure, the system exhibiting minimal side play or torsional play due to its unique bearing structure. The system includes an inner carrier assembly having an inner slide block with front curved bearing surface and a rear curved bearing surface. A non-rotating axle extends to either side of the inner slide block and is secured to the frame. An outer track frame that is adapted for rotatably supporting the wheel via any suitable concentric hub structure, has a curved aperture with front and rear curved bearing surfaces that engage the front and rear curved bearing surfaces of the inner slide block. The outer track frame moves arcuately up and down relative to the inner slide block in response to a shock absorbing displacement.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels, and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, and a pair of mode clutches that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.

Abstract: A forklift apparatus with improved all-wheel steering includes: a chassis; a plurality of wheels; at least one motor; a plurality of idler pulleys; a plurality a traction belts; and a plurality of actuators. The plurality of wheels supports the chassis from a ground surface and steer the chassis on the ground surface. The at least one motor is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels to rotate the wheel about a horizontal axis. Each wheel is rotationally mounted to the chassis about a vertical axis. Each wheel has a drive pulley oriented horizontally above the wheel and centered on the axis and connected to rotate with the wheel about the vertical axis. Each idler pulley is rotationally mounted to the chassis about a vertical axis and spaced from one of the drive pulleys. Each traction belt is wrapped around one pair comprising an idler pulley and a drive pulley.

Abstract: The disclosed vehicle occupant detecting system may comprise a three-dimensional surface profile detector, a digitizer, a storage device, a position detector, and a processor. The three-dimensional surface profile detector is may detect a three-dimensional surface profile of a vehicle occupant from a single view point. The digitizer may digitize the three-dimensional surface profile into a numerical coordinate system. The storage device may have previously stored information of features on a stored three-dimensional surface profile of a plurality of regions of a human body. The position detector detects information about one or more positions of the vehicle occupant by correlating the numerical coordinate system to the previously stored information of the features. The processor computes a distance between predetermined regions and derives a physique of the vehicle occupant, determines whether or not the vehicle occupant sits in the vehicle seat in a normal state, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A system is provided which is effective for precisely detecting the positional conditions of a vehicle seat. A vehicle seat detecting system which is installed in a vehicle employs a system for detecting a three-dimensional surface profile of a vehicle seat from a single view point by a camera to conduct a process for deriving information about a seat back shoulder region among respective regions of the vehicle seat and then to detect the positional conditions of the vehicle seat based on the derived information about the seat back shoulder region.

Abstract: A control apparatus having a moveable steering console for vehicles. The steering console includes a steering a steering platform carried by and moveable relative to the vehicle. The steering platform includes a steering device for receiving a user input, a moving means operably connected to the steering device for moving the steering platform in response to the user input, and a directing means for receiving the user input and selectively directing the user input to the moving means.

Abstract: A recessed control panel for a grass mowing machine includes a panel mounted in a recess in a top surface of a side cover on the grass mowing machine. Several controls are attached to panel. The panel has a lower forward end and a higher rearward end, is hinged at the lower forward end, and is releasably secured at the higher rearward end. A throttle lever extends less than one inch above the top surface of the side cover while the throttle is in a full position.

Abstract: A forward/reverse control system for a work machine cancels a second control state, in which forward/reverse switching control is performed by a second forward/reverse control means, by an operation of a first forward/reverse control means to return to a first control state in which forward/reverse switching control is performed by the first forward/reverse control means. The system is provided with a F-N-R lever unit 30 (the first forward/reverse control means) and F-N-R switch unit 40 (the second forward/reverse control means) that instruct forward, reverse or neutral, a controller 42 which performs forward/reverse switching control by giving priority to an instruction from the F-N-R lever unit 30 over an instruction from the F-N-R switch unit 40, and a selector switch 41 which by an operation of a switching control member 41a, instructs the controller 42 to switch to the second control state or to cancel the second control state.

Abstract: A vehicle including a steer-by-wire type steering device controlling yaw moment of the vehicle in correspondence with an operation of a steering wheel mechanically separated from each of wheels. The wheels are configured such that a steered angle cannot be changed. The steering device has a power distribution device capable of changing a distribution rate of power applied to each of the wheels, and a braking force control device capable of separately controlling a braking force for each of the wheels. The steering device controls a yaw moment of the vehicle by separately controlling the power applied to each of the wheels and the braking force in each of the wheels.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling valve stiffness in a power steering system. The method includes the step of engaging a pinion and a spool shaft with respect to one another for turning at least two wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel from an on-center orientation. The method also includes the step of variably assisting movement of the pinion with a hydraulic power steering device having a valve movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The method also includes the step of moving the valve from the open configuration to the closed configuration in response to rotation of the spool shaft relative to the pinion from an on-center orientation to assist the pinion in rotation for turning the at least two wheels.

Abstract: There is provided a power steering apparatus comprising a torque sensor detecting a steering torque capable of discriminating a normal input and an inverse input without a torsion bar. An intermediate gear engaging with rack teeth provided in an outer surface of a rack shaft and a pinion provided in a lower portion of a pinion shaft is interposed between both the rack tooth and the pinion. A force applied to the pinion shaft is detected by a first force sensor, a force applied to a support shaft of the intermediate gear is detected by a second force sensor, and a torque detection value capable of discriminat ing the normal input and inverse input is calculated by a torque calculating unit to which outputs of both the sensors are given.

Abstract: To provide a motor in which a rattle is hardly caused even if a bearing and a shaft are made of different materials, a motor includes a cylindrical motor case having a bottom, in a bracket which supports a press-fitted output shaft side bearing and closes an opening of the motor case. The motor further includes a ring member that is press-fitted to the bracket and is brought into abutment with the output shaft side bearing. The bracket and the ring member are made of the same material.

Abstract: A steering control apparatus is provided for a vehicle having a steering wheel for steering its steered wheels, a power source for generating power, and drive shafts for transferring the power to the wheels, to be served as driving wheels of the vehicle, and a traction control device for controlling braking torque applied to the wheels. The apparatus comprises a detection device for detecting the braking torque applied to the wheels, a calculation device for calculating a driving force difference between the wheels, on the basis of the detected braking torque, a power source state detection device for detecting an actuating state of the power source, and a control device provided for controlling steering torque created by the steering wheel, and applying torque steer reducing torque to the steering wheel. A desired value of the torque steer reducing torque is determined, on the basis of the driving force difference and the actuating state of the power source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas-discharging device for exhausting the burned gas utilized in an internal combustion engine, and more particularly, to an exhaust gas-discharging device of a vehicle for exhausting the burned gas to a muffler tail pipe, provided in an exhaust gas-discharging path of a vehicle, using airflow to improve fuel efficiency and torque of the vehicle.

Abstract: A carbon deposition eliminator for installation in the exhaust pipe of a motor vehicle to guide exhaust gas through the exhaust pipe and to eliminate deposition of carbon in the inside wall of the exhaust pipe is disclosed to have a tubular body, which defines a gas input port at one end and a tapered inside wall gradually reducing from the gas input port toward the other end of the tubular body for accelerating the flowing speed of exhaust gas, and a tubular neck, which defines an exhaust port at one end remote from the tubular body and a straight inside wall connected between the narrowest end of the tapered inside wall and the exhaust port.

Abstract: A roofing worker safety device is provided that delivers a resistive force in response to a working falling from an elevated work surface such as a roof via a safety cable connecting the worker to the safety device, the cable transmitting the force of the falling worker to the device to activate an arrestor arm that is forced into the surface on which the safety device is placed thereby stopping the fall of a worker from the roof.

Abstract: Systems for stabilizing ladders are provided. A representative system incorporates a ladder stabilizing assembly that includes a mount, a frame and a spike. The mount is configured to attach to a ladder. The frame extends from the mount and is movable between a stowed position, in which the frame is located adjacent the ladder, and an un-stowed position, in which the frame extends outwardly from the ladder. The spike extends from the frame and is operative to be driven into the ground such that, when the frame is in the un-stowed position and the spike is driven into the ground, the ladder stabilizing assembly provides support to the ladder.

Abstract: A scaffold plank assembly for engagement to a scaffolding frame. The scaffold plank assembly comprises an elongate, non-metal plank which defines opposed first and second ends and at least one interior cavity. Attached to respective ones of the opposed ends of the plank is a pair of end connectors. The end connectors each comprise a main body, and at least two arms which are attached to the main body. Attached to and extending from the main body is at least one attachment finger which is extensible into the interior cavity of the plank. The main body also includes at least two notches formed therein which are sized and configured to receive respective ones of the arms of another end connector in a nesting fashion. Additionally, disposed within the attachment finger of the end connector is an aperture which may be coaxially aligned with a pair of apertures disposed within the plank when the attachment finger is fully advanced into the interior cavity thereof.

Abstract: An oil drain plug remover comprising a deflector portion and a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of a drain plug head for directing the used oil stream from an oil drain hole of an engine and a method for using the oil drain plug remover.

Abstract: A lubrication system is provided for delivering coherent packets of a lubricant to a cutting surface of a machine tool. The system includes a nozzle for delivering a coherent packet of lubricant to the cutting surface, a pump for providing the lubricant to the nozzle via a supply line, and a controller configured to control the pump to provide the nozzle with a desired volume of lubricant. The coherent packet of lubricant has a volume substantially equal to the desired volume provided by the pump. The nozzle may be movable, and the controller may be configured to position and orient the movable nozzle. The controller may be an integrated controller configured to control both the operation of the lubrication system and the operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: A transfer device for a vehicle includes a casing, a cylindrical input shaft supported by the casing, a first end of the input shaft engaging with a driveshaft, an output shaft supported on an internal surface of a second end of the input shaft and engaging with the second end of the input shaft, the output shaft including an oil passage formed therein in an axial direction, and a lubrication fluid supply passage supplying a lubrication fluid from the casing to the oil passage. The lubrication fluid supply passage includes an inner fluid tight chamber annularly formed with an external surface of the output shaft and an internal surface of the input shaft, a first passage establishing a communication between the inner fluid tight chamber and the oil passage, and a second passage establishing a communication between the inner fluid tight chamber and an external surface of the input shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing a gaseous medium, specifically hydrogen, is disclosed. Compression is managed by a reciprocating piston compressor, where the piston or pistons of which have a dynamic seal or dynamic seals. A graphite-bearing medium is supplied to the cylinder chamber or chambers before and/or during compression, where the graphite-bearing medium is configured such that it settles on the dynamic seal or seals. The reciprocating piston compressor has a means to supply/introduce the graphite-bearing medium into the cylinder chamber or chambers.

Abstract: A lubrication for expandable tubulars.

Abstract: A strand being pulled through a conduit is automatically lubricated.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a safety device (50) strategically positioned within a hoistway to provide overhead or under car clearance during an inspection procedure, for example. An example safety device (50) includes a triggering member (56) that is selectively moved into a stopping position to engage a safety brake (42) for preventing movement of an elevator car (24) beyond a selected vertical position. The triggering member (56) is selectively moveable in an automated manner between a retracted position and a stopping position. When the triggering member (56) is in a retracted position, it has no effect on normal elevator system operation. When the triggering member (56) is in the stopping position, it provides for maintaining adequate clearance between an elevator car assembly and another surface or structure within an elevator hoistway.

Abstract: In an elevator, with an elevator car, a counterweight, a drive unit arranged below the counterweight and provided with a drive pulley, and an elevator support device, which is guided over the drive pulley and at least one deflecting pulley and which supports and moves the elevator car and the counterweight in opposite directions, at least one run of the support device, which leads to the drive pulley, is led through a cut-out in the counterweight.

Abstract: A bicycle brake disk caliper apparatus comprises a caliper housing dimensioned and structured to be mounted to a bicycle, a piston operatively coupled to the caliper housing so that the piston moves between a brake release position and a brake activating position, a hydraulic inlet for receiving a hydraulic fluid to move the piston, a piston activating space in fluid communication with the hydraulic inlet so that the hydraulic fluid moves the piston from the brake release position to the brake activating position, a cooling member, a cooling inlet in fluid communication with the hydraulic inlet, a heat transfer space in fluid communication with the cooling inlet for engaging hydraulic fluid received through the cooling inlet with the cooling member, and a cooling outlet in fluid communication with the heat transfer space for communicating hydraulic fluid from the heat transfer space to a location so that at least a portion of hydraulic fluid flows only one way from the hydraulic inlet, through the cooling inl

Abstract: A parking brake system is provided in which a parking brake state for a wheel brake (2A) is obtained by forward movement of a parking piston (44) slidably fitted into a casing (23) with the rear side of the parking piston (44) facing a parking control fluid pressure chamber (47), and the forwardly moved state of the parking piston (44) is mechanically locked by spheres (58) pushed up as a result of forward movement of a lock piston (56) of a lock mechanism (31). Moreover, a plurality of guide grooves (12)6, into which parts of the spheres (58) are rollably fitted, are provided on the inner face of a large diameter hole (38), the inner face of a restricting step (42), and the inner face of a small diameter hole (39), the guide grooves (12)6 having a concavely curved cross-sectional shape and extending in the axial direction of an insertion shaft (59). This enables an automatic parking brake state to be obtained by a simple structure without consuming power.

Abstract: A brake drum includes a generally cylindrical rub track section that is open at one end and at least partially closed by and endwall at its other end. The rub track cross section preferably has a thickness that varies along its axial length and preferably is thickest at an end closest to the endwall. In one implementation, the rub track is generally frustum shaped in cross section with a straight radially tapered outer wall. In another implementation, the outer wall of the rub track is generally concave or sloped from the first end to a second end spaced from the endwall. In another implementation, the outer wall of the rub track section is generally convex.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a brake actuator for use in a motor vehicle. In a motor vehicle with one or more brakes activated by a cable system, there is a lever, a pawl resiliently biased to engage a sector, and a cam member. Connected to the cam member is a cable that can tension and release the pawl by movement of a button that is slidably engaged with the cam member.

Abstract: A brake drum includes a generally cylindrical sidewall that defines at least part of a rub track, and a labyrinth that is generally open at one end and leads to a radially inwardly extending endwall at its other end. The labyrinth portion of the sidewall is preferably thicker than the rub track section. Also, in one presently preferred implementation, a transition between the sidewall and the radially inwardly extending face is thicker than the face and preferably has at least one that is portioned at least as thick as the rub track section. The brake drum may have a comparatively increased stiffness, which may reduce deflections or radially runout caused by eccentricity in the shape of the sidewall and resultant uneven friction and temperature loads in use.

Abstract: This invention improves a fill-up device of a master cylinder which is included in a hydraulic brake system for an automotive vehicle and generates a hydraulic pressure corresponding to an operation of a brake operating member. There is provided a coupled switching valve which is switched by being mechanically coupled with a movement of a piston 42 relative to a housing 40. The coupled switching valve is in a first state where a fill-up chamber 54 is communicated with a reservoir 72 via a relief valve 88 until the piston 42 is advanced by a predetermined distance from a rearmost position, and switched to a second state where the fill-up chamber 54 is directly communicated with the reservoir 72 via a the communication passage 84 without the relief valve disposed therebetween when the piston 42 is advanced by a distance larger than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A friction damper includes a base body; a support secured to an elongated member of the base body and having a through hole; a rod which extends in such a manner as to pass through the through hole of the support and is movable in an axial direction with respect to the support; a friction member which has a hollow cylindrical portion interposed between the support and a main body portion of the rod in the through hole of the support, and which is fixed immovably with respect to the relative movement of the rod in the axial direction with respect to the base body; and a tightening structure provided for the support so as to tighten the hollow cylindrical portion of the friction member onto the main body portion of the rod.

Abstract: A vertical fluid power transmission includes: a vertical crankshaft of an engine; a vertical output shaft; and a vertical torque converter disposed between the crankshaft and the output shaft. An oil supply passage is connected to one end of the circulation circuit of the vertical torque converter, and guides a stored oil that is drawn up from an oil tank and discharged by an oil pump. An oil return passage is connected to the other one end of the circulation circuit, and leads to the oil tank. A normally-closed pressure response valve is provided in the oil return passage. The pressure response valve is opened by an upstream pressure. Thus, the oil tank for storing a working oil of the torque converter is separated from the torque converter, thereby downsizing the torque converter, and the working oil is circulated between the oil tank and the circulation circuit of the torque converter, thereby promoting cooling of the working oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lock-up clutch mechanism for a torque converter, comprising a lock-up piston and a front cover having an engagement surface capable of being engaged with the lock-up piston and wherein one of the lock-up piston and the front cover is provided with a friction material sticking surface to which a friction material is stuck and the friction material sticking surface has a raised configuration protruding in an axial direction.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of an external drive source to a rotary shaft which is rotatably supported by a housing of a rotary machine comprises a first rotor fixed to the rotary shaft for rotation therewith, a second rotor rotatably supported by the housing for receiving the power of the external drive source, and a spring clutch disposed over first and second outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second rotors which are aligned with each other along an axial direction of the rotary shaft. The spring clutch is mounted at one end to the first rotor and at the other end to an armature. The spring clutch tightens the first and second outer peripheral surfaces thereby to connect the first and second rotors when the armature is attracted to the second rotor.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a one-way drive device including a first member mounted for rotation about a given axis and defining (i) a first planar surface normal to the axis, and (ii) a first shoulder within the first surface. The device also includes a second member mounted for rotation about the same given axis and defining (i) a second planar surface, which is positioned in close proximity to and in confronting relationship with said first surface, and (ii) a second shoulder within the second surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns an element comprising an input member (15), an output member (19), an electrical machine (14) including a rotor (26), a first wet clutch (89A) between the input member (15) and an intermediate member (83) rotating about a first axis (X-X?). The intermediate member (83) is connected in rotation to the rotor (26), and a second wet clutch (89B) is positioned between the intermediate member (83) and the output member (19). Said element further comprises a housing (21) wherein are mounted coaxially and concentrically the first and second clutches (89A, 89B). The axis of rotation (Y-Y?) of the rotor (26) is separate from the first axis (X-X?) and transmission means (121, 123, 135) connect in rotation the rotor (26) and the intermediate member (83). It further comprises means for selectively controlling and lubricating and/or cooling the first and second clutches (89A, 89B). The invention is applicable to motor vehicle engine-transmission units.

Abstract: A strut-type synchronizer for coupling a gear to a rotating shaft includes a hub rotating with the shaft, a clutch ring rotatable with the gear, and a friction ring disposed between the hub and the clutch ring. The hub supports several struts for relative axial movement, as urged by an encircling splined sleeve through a detent, into engagement with the friction ring. The friction ring, which does not itself directly engage the sleeve, has a friction surface that is thus urged by the struts into engagement with a complementary friction surface of the clutch ring, whereupon relative rotation between the friction ring and the clutch ring ceases, the detent is overcome, and the sleeve's spline teeth engage complementary spline teeth on the clutch ring to fully engage the synchronizer. The friction surfaces include two axially-spaced frustoconical portions, by which an increased cone torque is achieved during synchronization.

Abstract: A synchronizer mechanism for a transmission includes a clutch hub fixed to a transmission shaft, a sleeve fixed to the transmission shaft and splined to the clutch hub, a speed change gear including a movable conical surface, a synchronizer ring supported by the sleeve, a synchronous torque assisting member including a fixed conical surface, and a biasing member biasing the speed change gear to the clutch hub. The speed change gear is rotatably provided and axially movably mounted between the clutch hub and the synchronous torque assisting member. The movable conical surface and the fixed conical surface are mutually engageable. By axially actuating the synchronizer ring, a conical hole formed at the synchronizer ring is engaged with a conical surface formed at the speed change gear. Then the speed change gear moves against the biasing member and the movable conical surface and the fixed conical surface are mutually engaged.

Abstract: A hub for a bicycle includes a hub body having ratchet teeth, a ratchet barrel having positioning grooves, a plurality of pawl members pivotally mounted in the positioning grooves of the ratchet barrel and engaged with the ratchet teeth of the hub body in one direction, and an elastic module enclosed around the pawl members elastically. The elastic module is formed by a plurality of loops connected with each other. Thus, the force applied by the pawl members on the elastic module are distributed by the loops of the elastic module in the axial and sideward directions, so that the elastic module has a greater strength and will not produce an elastic fatigue during a long-term utilization, thereby enhancing the lifetime of the elastic module.

Abstract: A fluid coupling containing a magnetically responsive fluid (27, 76) is in series with a digital clutch (71). Disengagement of the clutch (71) ensures that during times of no torque transmission, the fluid (27) does not cause parasitic drag, and is not subject to degradation because of continual shear. Wear of the necessary fluid seals (28) is also reduced.

Abstract: A shift apparatus of an inboard-outboard drive in which shift operation can be carried out by electrical means without using known cables such as wires is provided. Solenoid valves 35 and 36 which carry out shifting operation in an oil-hydraulic circuit for operating an hydraulic clutch is attached to an oil-hydraulic control unit 31 in an upper casing 14 of an outer drive apparatus 4, and a waterproof cover 40 which covers the oil-hydraulic control unit 31 and the solenoid valves 35 and 36 are fixed on the upper casing 14. A connector 45 is interposed between electric wires 41, and arranged on a joint portion between a bell housing 18 and an upper casing 14.

Abstract: A crossover switch for a sortation conveyor has actuators that extend into the divert guide path which are operable to respond to the travel of a guide element through the path to move the switch element from one position to another.

Abstract: An assembly for rotating a selected article in a stream of like articles without rotating an adjacent article, each of the articles moving along a conveying surface of a conveyor belt with a speed of forward travel and comprising an axis which is normal to the conveying surface. The assembly comprises a mechanism for revolving the selected article around the axis without changing between the axis of the revolving selected article and the axis of the non-revolving adjacent article.

Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.

Abstract: Registration transfer unit (26) receives containers (C) in random intervals and then places such containers in a transfer conveyor (30) moving generally laterally to the registration transfer unit. The registration transfer unit is movable relative to and with the transfer conveyor to index the registration transfer unit with cells (262) of the transfer conveyor and maintaining such indexed relationship while the containers are transferred from the registration transfer unit to the transfer conveyor. The containers are then transferred from the transfer conveyor to an infeed conveyor (32) to carry the containers to a pick-up unit (34) that removes a selected number of containers at a time from the infeed conveyor.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying articles along conveyance paths including straight, curvilinear, horizontal, inclined, and declined conveyance sections optionally physically offset from one another. The articles are conveyed between a pair of horizontal belts, vertical rollers, or vertical belts while being supported by protrusions extending from the horizontal belts, vertical rollers, or vertical belts. The vertical belts are guided using a multiplicity of vertical rollers that are configurable into straight, curvilinear, and dynamically changing conveyance sections. Multiple conveyance sections can be joined end to end to transport articles over complex paths and over long distances. The articles conveyed may include semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conveying system that performs efficient conveyance by using trays each accommodating one workpiece, as basic conveying means, and fully utilizing this advantage of the trays to allow its conveyance form to be changed as required. The conveying system includes a single-pod conveying means 10 for conveying pods 5 one by one, a pod stacking means 50 for stacking a plurality of pods 5, a stacked pod conveying means 60 for conveying the stacked pods 5, and a pod destacking means 50 for destacking the stacked pods.