Abstract: The disclosure relates to a heat resistant die lift system. The system comprises an upwardly opening cavity in a bolster having a vertically movable rail therein. An airbag extends longitudinally of the cavity under the rail. A plurality of rollers are supported by the rail so as to be movable vertically therewith. Inflation of the airbag effects elevation of the rails and rollers into engagement with the bottom of the die and elevation of the die relative to the press bolster. One end of the airbag is telescoped over a complimentary conical nozzle in an air manifold and is retained by a locking block having a conical bore complimentary to the nozzle so as to eliminate the use of adhesives or sealants.

Abstract: A cooling bed plate transfer grid insert which is height adjustable independently of its mounting to the grid. The insert has an outer frame which is clampable to the grid and an inner frame supporting a roller and which is clampable to the outer frame and height adjustable relative to the outer frame so that the mounting of the outer frame to the grid need not be disturbed when adjusting the height of the roller or when replacing the inner frame and roller assembly for repair of the insert. The inner frame is thus easily and inexpensively replaceable without the necessity of replacing the outer frame. The replaceable inner frame includes stationary bearings for the rotating roller shaft to provide improvement in wear life of perhaps about 200 per cent. Springs are provided to allow the roller to flexibly move downwardly under load of plates being moved thereover so that each of the rollers underlying a plate bears its share of the load, but the rollers are biased to the desired unloaded height.

Abstract: An improved die lifting device comprising a plurality of roller-carrying cam mechanisms, actuable by a common hydraulic ram located externally of the die area, to provide strong, rapid, reliable operation, while occupying a minimum of space within the die area.

Abstract: A roller assembly is removably mounted on the floor of a vehicle. This assembly has a retracted configuration adapted for moving cargo therelong in a first direction and an erected configuration for moving cargo in a second direction normal to the first direction. A first set of rollers is mounted in the assembly for universal movement. A second set of rollers is mounted for rotational movement about a first axis while a third set of rollers is mounted for rotational movement about a second axis normal to said first axis. In the retracted configuration, the first and second set of rollers facilitate the movement of the cargo in the first direction, the third set of rollers being below the support surface of the assembly so as not to interfere with such movement. A sub-assembly on which the third set of rollers is rotatably mounted is spring urged to the erected position by manual release of a latch.

Abstract: A level gravity conveyor provides a plurality of individual load-engaging support pads aligned longitudinally along the conveyor. The pads are movably supported on runway segments which extend longitudinally. Each runway segment defines an upper raceway surface which movably supports the pad, which upper surface in the preferred embodiment is defined by a plurality of support rollers. The runway segments are alternately raised and lowered so that, when in a raised position, the upper surfaces slope downward in the forward direction. The pads engage and vertically lift the loads when the runway segments are in the raised position, whereby the weight of the loads causes the pads to move downwardly by gravity along the inclined upper surfaces to forwardly advance the loads through a small distance.

Abstract: A roller of variable outer diameter type has a holding member having a plurality of through holes radially along a side surface and provided with a hollow portion communicating with these through holes; a sealing member having diaphragms arranged so as to correspond to the respective through holes; and sliders respectively fitted slidably in the through holes and forming an outer peripheral surface of the roller, the sealing member causing the sliders to urge and displace the sliders via the diaphragms by a fluid supplied thereinto in such a direction that the outer diameter of the roller is enlarged. This roller of variable outer diameter type is mounted on a rotary shaft portion in an apparatus for transferring articles such as a transporting conveyer or the like.

Abstract: A ball deck is disclosed capable of conveying a container having an uneven bottom surface. The ball deck, having an upper surface, houses a plurality of ball transfer units. Each ball transfer unit has a first housing having an upper end terminating adjacent the upper surface of the ball deck. A first load supporting ball, which is preferably hollow, is disposed in an upper section of the housing and has a portion extending above the upper surface of the ball deck. A second load supporting ball, having a lesser diameter than the first ball, supports the first ball. A spring biases the balls axially upward by allowing the first ball to move between an upward position and a downward position when supporting an irregular load surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a roller mounting system for use in a table (10) for conveying articles of manufacture through a production line. The mounting system includes a split frame for supporting an electric motor (26) for powering a roller (22) defining a generally horizontal path of travel along an upper surface of the roller table. The frame includes a fixed lower portion (30) connected to a structural member (34) of the roller table and an upper portion (32) adapted for longitudinal and vertical movement relative to the lower portion. Lower portion (30) includes a movable block (72) slidably mounted to a lower mounting plate (42) for cooperating with a threaded operator (74) mounted in a threaded bore in a block (70) for shifting the upper portion between an operating and a retracted position, a pair of spaced runners (44) and a block (62) having a stop surface (92).

Abstract: A self-erecting guide for centering and for vertically restraining smaller than full width pallets in a transport vehicle, such as an airplane, having a floor structure and rollers connected to the floor structure and defining a roller plane for rollingly supporting pallets above the floor structure such that the pallets may roll longitudinally includes a plurality of rollers such that pallets contacting the guide contact a rotatable surface resulting in less galling and wear to guide and pallets. The guide generally includes a hinge assembly, fore and aft pivots, a frame, and erection springs. In an erect position, the hinge assembly forms a shallow inverted V in side view with hinge axis at the apex such that a moving full size pallet contacting hinge assembly top forces the hinge assembly into a retracted position below the roller plane.

Abstract: A gravity type roller conveyor for conveying articles has a plurality of rollers mounted on an elongated support member which is movingly positioned within a base. The base is made of at least two components from a plurality of interchangeable modular components which can be assembled in a variety of ways to produce a base which fits within given requirements. The cases are releasably secured to a frame to complete the conveyor. The frame has a plurality of mounting holes in order to easily allow the changing in width of the conveyor. The base incorporates one or more skid plates to stop the articles on the conveyor. An elongated hose is positioned between the base and the support member and, when inflated, causes the support members to raise rollers upwardly so that the rollers project above the skid plates.

Abstract: A mechanized lay up assembly line for composite structures has a tool delivery station having a plurality of rollers on its surface for moving tools across the surface. Adjacent to the tool delivery station is a work station. The work station includes a work surface. The work surface has a plurality of rollers that move from a position wherein the rollers extend above the work surface to support a tool above the work surface to a retracted position where the rollers descend below the work surface such that the tool is supported on the work surface. The mechanized lay up assembly line further includes a debulking diaphragm that moves toward and away from the work surface and a vacuum system for evacuating the space between the diaphragm and the work surface. Tools are moved from the delivery station to the work station with the work station rollers extended. When a tool is positioned on the work station its rollers are retracted to position the tool firmly on the working surface.

Abstract: A sliding boat trailer roller mount is used when loading or unloading a boat from a boat trailer. The roller mount includes a mounting arm with an arch, a saddle with a curved groove in which the mounting arm rocks and slides, and a roller at each end of the mounting arm. A pair of saddles are attached to the ends of a pivot arm. A plurality of pairs of pivot arms are pivotally mounted on a boat trailer. The curvature of the mounting arm is such that it slides and pivots within the curved groove of the saddle, allowing the rollers to follow the compound curvature of a boat hull during loading or unloading.

Abstract: A low profile unpowered conveyance utilizes air actuators to tilt sequentially sections of idler roller conveyors to move loads such as palletized bins from one section to an adjoining section. The sections may be arranged in a line, loop or other arrangement. The sections are tilted by air actuators which are preferably low profile pneumatic air bags or springs. In one form a pair of air bags support a pivotally mounted entry section through a harness and when the air bags are deflated the entry section pivots downwardly with respect to the conveyor section. When the air bags are partially inflated the entry section is held horizontal. When the air bags are further inflated, the entire section tilts. The entire section tilts only when the succeeding section is clear and concurrently the entry section of the succeeding section also tilts to be aligned with the prior section providing an inclined idler roller ramp to permit the load to roll to the succeeding section.

Abstract: A guide apparatus adapted to contact cargo loads in load bearing engagement for guiding such cargo loads in movement thereof within a cargo hold or bay, the guide apparatus being pivotally moveable selectively between a stowed position and a deployed position by an actuating structure which is isolated from the cargo loads borne by the guide apparatus when in the deployed position.

Abstract: Routine hand-labor cargo processing is an integral component of world commerce. The present invention permits the incorporation in one-and-the-same freight floor surface of the capacity for near-instantaneous conversion from the traditional static norm to the fluidity of an appropriately-spaced roller ball floor surface constructed of a positively unfailing composition. This convertability aspect offers an incomparable cost reduction in both labor and equipment in the cargo handling field. This floor system allows for those transfer balls 20 to retract from and project above its floor surface at the will of the operator.

Abstract: A modulated conveyor shuttling system for transfering a pallet therealong. It has a series of pedestals aligned along a predetermined path, a carrier supported on each of the pedestals with a plurality of bearings to movingly support the pallet, and locomotion apparatus incorporating air bladders to effect sequential lifting, tilting, and lowering of adjacent carriers on adjacent modules to steppingly move the pallet along such path.

Abstract: A roller bearing device for use with workpiece plate transfer platforms including one or more support rails, each support rail having a longitudinal groove with a longitudinal opening on the upper surface of the support rail. At least one roller support is seated in the longitudinal groove. The roller support includes an angled lever pivotably mounted on a support base. A roller is supported at the end of a first arm of the lever, with at least a portion of the roller positionable above the top surface of the support rail. The end of the second arm is articulated to an adjustment member, actuation of which causes the lever to pivot, raising or lowering the roller.

Abstract: Roller table comprising a front supporting group and a rear supporting group defining respectively a front sliding surface and a rear sliding surface longitudinally aligned. A bearing bar, on which lifting levers are pivoted, is secured to the rear supporting group, the levers being mutually placed side-by-side and bearing in a rotatable manner ancillary rollers at their respective upper ends. Each lifting lever is provided in the lower part with a feeler pin engaged in a sliding manner along a guiding groove provided in a guiding bar integral with the front supporting group. The guiding groove is shaped in such a way that when the front and rear supporting groups are moved away the one from the other, the ancillary rollers are lifted one by one, one after the other, and led to the level of the front and rear sliding surfaces to support a product, during its working, in the portion between the spaced sliding surfaces.

Abstract: A method for the formation of a transport unit which includes a bed assembly and a cargo thereupon comprises the following steps of placing a cargo on a first bed of a plate-like structure; positioning a second bed, which has a grid-like structure with a plurality of openings and defines a floor structure for a transport container, on top of a handling mechanism; positioning a transfer device connected with a handling mechanism above the top surface of the second bed inside the interior of the container; carrying the cargo placed on the first bed by transfer mechanisms above the second bed inside the interior of the container; and displacing the transfer device relative to the second bed below its top surface, whereby the first bed along with its cargo is set upon the second bed to be supported and the container is provided with a unitary bottom defined by the first and second beds.

Abstract: A container handler for use with an over-and-under conveyor having upper and lower gravity-type roller conveyor sections disposed vertically one above the other. The container handler is disposed directly adjacent the discharged end of the upper conveyor and has a support platform alignable with the upper conveyor so that a container can be discharged from the upper conveyor onto the support platform for engagment with a stop. The front end of support platform, namely the end with the container stop, can be vertically lowered by an operator to facilitate access to the container. The front end can be vertically raised and lowered by a first lifting device and, when the operator is completed with his operations, the first lifting device lowers the front end of the support platform to a lowermost position.

Abstract: A roller track comprises a series of rollers having their axes positioned mutually parallel and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the series. The roller are rotatably journalled in an elongated carrier which is received in a U-channel which is closable at its open upper side by a cover plate which may be secure to the upper edges of the section flanges. The carrier with the rollers is movable vertically between a lower position, in which the rollers are completely sunk in the housing, and an upper or operative position, in which the rollers extend by a fraction of their diameter through corresponding apertures in the cover plate. The operative position is upwardly limited in that at both sides of the carrier, portions of the carrier abut from below against inwardly projecting flange portions of the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a load handling system which includes at least one roller guideway arranged to support and guide a load along a predetermined path, and pneumatically operated load support members disposed parallel to the guideway which are movable between a retracted position is which they allow the load to move freely on the guideway, and an extended position in which they are forced into contact with and lift the load off the guideway. A roller chain drive mechanism moves the load along the guideway. The system can be installed in a cargo vehicle and uses the compressed air system of the vehicle.

Abstract: An elevating roller track assembly having a base member and a lift bar located in a channel which is formed in the base member. The lift bar is slidably mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the base member. A first elevator ramp is mounted on the lift bar. The first ramp has a first ramp face which is inclined upwardly toward a first end of the base member. A roller support member is slidably mounted in the base for longitudinal movement. The roller support member has a bottom wall overlying the lift bar. A plurality of load supporting rollers are mounted for rotation on and extending upwardly from the roller support member. A second elevator ramp is mounted on the bottom wall of the roller support. The second elevator ramp has a second ramp face which extends parallel to the first ramp face in a face-to-face relationship therewith.

Abstract: A roller track comprises a series of rollers positioned with mutually parallal axes and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the series. The rollers are rotatably journalled in an elongated carrier which is received in a channel section of a housing which is closable at its open upper side by a cover plate. The carrier with the rollers is movable in vertical direction between a lower position, in which the rollers are completely sunk in the housing and an upper or operative position, in which the rollers extend by a fraction of their diameter through corresponding apertures in the cover plate. The carrier is assembled form a plurality of tilting members, each adapted for the rotatable support of a roller. The tilting members are coupled to each other at their upper sides at their lower sides. The coupling at the lower sides of the tilting members is formed by a connecting strip guided along the bottom of the channel section.

Abstract: A mechanical handling apparatus has a top plate covering a raisable and lowerable roller bed and resiliently secured in place such that the plate may shift longitudinally of the roller bed under load, but resiliently return to substantially its original position when the load is removed.

Abstract: A load carrying floor, more particularly of a load transporting vehicle, provided with a number of roller tracks disposed parallel to one another, on which a load may be displaced across the floor with low frictional resistance, displacement and holding devices being provided, comprising at least one additional track of rollers, over which a friction belt is trained, which is adapted to get into frictional contact with the lower side of a load and to be selectively driven in one direction or the other, so as to displace the load in one direction or the other and parallel to the roller tracks. The ends of the friction belt are each fastened for winding or unwinding respectively on a drum provided at the respective end of the floor.

Abstract: A retractable roller system for handling cargo has a main channel which is mounted on the floor of a vehicle into which cargo is to be loaded. a pneumatically actuated bladder is mounted along the bottom of the channel and a roller tray on which a plurality of roller members are rotatably supported is mounted in the channel above the bladder. Extending outwardly from each of the opposing side walls of the roller tray is a flange member, the flange member of one of the walls being at a lower level therealong than the flange member of the opposing wall. Extending inwardly from each of the side walls of the main channel is a flange member, the flange member of one of the channel walls being at a lower level therealong than the flange member of the other channel wall.

Abstract: An die transfer and quick change system comprising at least four T-lift units installed in T-slots formed in the surface of the machine bolster. The T-lift units are installed in the bolsters so that there are at least two systems for positioning the die parallel to the machine or press and at least two systems for positioning the die perpendicular to the machine or press. A control mechanism is provided for selectively inflating and deflating the air bag in each of the T-lift units. The control mechanism provides for two separate T-lift systems which are inflated or deflated independently of each other. A pre-staging table is provided adjacent the machine or press bolster for pre-staging a plurality of dies thereon and for transporting selected dies to and from the machine.

Abstract: A roller deck for the angular deflection of a pallet comprises a basic frame and a lift frame which is movable relative to the basic frame. Both frames have rollers for supporting a pallet. A pneumatic lifting device between the frames elevates the lifting frame upon activation. With such pneumatic lifting, replacement of damaged lifting elements is accomplished without separating the basic frame and lift frame. Moreover, such lift elements are maintenance free during operation.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the design of processing stations for the processing, by welding technology, of semi-finished vehicle body subassemblies (5) within the framework of a flexible manufacturing system. Thereby, frame-like work piece carriers (1) with support members (4) are used for loose positioning of components of the subassemblies (5), where the work piece carriers (1) are also capable of accepting differently configured subassemblies. The transfer line (9) is not planned as a single line, but includes only the input station (10), the work position (6) and the output station (11). Next to these stations (10, 11), storage stations (14) are arrayed, which are connected with one another by a transport system (20) which crosses the transfer line (9). In this manner it is made possible to store the work piece carriers (1) with the processed subassemblies (5) or to bypass the next work station if it is not capable of receiving (a work piece carrier), or is out of order.

Abstract: Conveyor element with spaced rollers, including a main body with bores which contain plungers that are movable by means of an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A die transfer system comprises a pair of elongated, horizontally extending vertically movable rails having a plurality of rollers thereon. A pair of elastomeric elements have a vertical dimension and elastic coefficient such that the rolls on said rails are elevated above an upper surface of said bolster to a die transfer condition. Biasing of said die toward said bolster effects deflection of said elastomeric elements. Release of said biasing means permits elevation of said rails, rollers and die to said die transfer condition due to elastic memory of said elements.

Abstract: A feed lever and a lateral stop with individual guide members spaced apart and arranged in slot-shaped grooves of the metal feed table supported so that they can be raised and lowered on a support. The guide members are each equipped with a guide body possessing a lateral stop in the form of a roller. These rollers come up against the edge to be guided of the sheet metal plate. A guide and clamping device is located alongside of each roller. The apparatus allows sheet metal plates to be accommodated, spaced apart from one another in several stacks, these sheet metal plates being cut at different locations on the cutting knife.

Abstract: Framing system in which plant pot sets (12) are shifted onto a pallet (5) provided with a bottom with holes by means of a roll conveyor (4) extending through the holes in the bottom of the pallet, and in which the pallets filled in this way are stacked.

Abstract: A roller conveyor is designed for transferring a load from a departure station where the load sets off to an arrival station where it is stopped by a buffer.The latter comprises a stop plate mounted on a shock absorber associated with a position detector, to ensure that the load and its support are stopped in the correct position and that they are displaced from the arrival station of the conveyor towards the departure station of another conveyor.

Abstract: Conveyor system with spaced rollers, including a main body formed with bores which contain plungers that are movable by means of inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for setting metal molds on a press bolster are disclosed. A plurality of spaced bearing units are arranged in a press bolster wherein freely rotatable main large balls of the bearing units protrude at their tops slightly above a level of an upper surface of the bolster so as to cooperate to freely slidably support a combined set of an upper and a lower molds placed thereon, for positional adjustment of the molds to a desired exact position on the bolster.

Abstract: A roller bed vehicle is provided which includes selectively elevatable rollers positioned in openings in a vehicle load carrying bed. A roller actuator mechanism array selectively raises and lowers the rollers so that a load may slide across the raised rollers to load and unload onto the bed and the rollers may be lowered below the bed top surface to facilitate the load resting on the bed when transported by the vehicle.

Abstract: A "no-lift" container trailer is disclosed having a vertically movable roller tray with parallel rollers thereon which when tangent to the roll plane, and solely support a container thereon allow the container to be moved onto or off the trailer. A vertically movable caster tray of the trailer has fixed caster wheels thereon with their axes of rotation intersecting a vertical axis near the center of the trailer. When the wheels provide sole support for the container at the roll plane the container may be rotated about the vertical axis to any desired position. Manually operated cams are provided to sequentially move only the rollers tangent to the roll plane for supporting the container only on the rollers to move both the rollers and wheels tangent to the roll plane, and to move the rollers below the roll plane for supporting the container only on the wheels thus transferring the containers between the rollers and the wheel at the roll plane without lifting the container.

Abstract: A mechanism for rotating about a vertical axis generally flat-bottomed objects which are moving along the working surface of a conveyor system, the mechanism including at least three rollers which are rotatable about horizontal axes and which are oriented so as to be tangent to the circumference of a circle which is concentric with the vertical axis, a support frame for moving the rollers into an active positioning above the working surface of the conveyor system and downwardly to an inactive positioning therebelow, and a belt drive system for rotating all of the rollers in the same direction with respect to the circumference of the circle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a die transfer system for a press having a bolster for the support of a die. The system comprises a pair of elongated, parallel upwardly opening cavities having horizontally extending vertically movable rails therein. A plurality of rollers are supported by each rail so as to be movable vertically therewith. An air bag extends longitudinally of each of said cavities under said rails and is engageable with the bottom thereof. Inflation of the air bags effects elevation of the rails and rollers into engagement with the bottom of the die and elevation of the die relative to the press bolster.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling materials using a ball bearing mounted table. It includes a table having a horizontal plate (1) on which ball bearings (2) of the same diameter roll freely, thus enabling a load (C) to be displaced. The load (C) can be immobilized by supports (7 and 8) passing into passage (3) drilled in plate (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking containers on a pallet, the apparatus having a conveyor for transporting a horizontal pallet to a loading station, a horizontal plate moving horizontally to and from the loading station in superimposed relation to a pallet in the station, a conveyor which has an elevatable section and transports containers to a stacking station adjacent to the loading station, elements for assembling a row of containers on the section and elevating it together with the row, a clamp adjacent to the station to clamp and support an elevated row while a further row is assembled beneath the elevated row to be raised to the elevated row to form a stack of containers, a pusher for moving successive stacks of containers from the stacking station onto a pack rested on the plate while the plate is at the loading station, and elements for sliding the plate from beneath the pack so that it descends onto the pallet.

Abstract: A mold equipment comprising a first lift chamber at the outlet portion of a material pouring station, a heating chamber containing a curing atmosphere and connected to the outlet of the first lift chamber, a pull-in means for drawing a metal mold from the outlet of the material pouring station into the first lift chamber, a second lift chamber at the outlet portion of the heating chamber, a mold releasing work station adjacent to the second lift chamber, a third lift chamber at the outlet portion of the mold releasing work station, a cooling chamber connected to the outlet of the third lift chamber, a pull-in means for drawing the metal mold from the outlet of the mold releasing work station into the third lift chamber, a fourth lift chamber defined between the outlet of the cooling chamber and the material pouring work station, and push-in means for forcing the metal mold into the heating chamber, mold releasing work station, cooling chamber, and material pouring station, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet which is particularly, but not exclusively intended for use in cargo terminals or other stations where goods are transferred from one means of transportation to another to facilitate loading, unloading and reloading of goods, but which is also useful for the ordinary purposes of the pallet. Characteristic of the invention is that the pallet comprises a body in the form of a rectangular, relatively light-weight framework of light metal or aluminum beams with a load-carrying surface formed by a plurality of rollers, preferably in the form of ball roller means, connected to the framework, and with at least one brake roller which is supported in such a position that goods having planar undersides, which, when carried on the pallet, are moved on the rollers, will be braked by means of the brake roller which is preferably carried by a swiveling frame to permit braking in whatever direction the goods are shifted.

Abstract: A method wherein palletized loads are deposited on a gravity-type conveyor at the upper end, and are moved by gravity toward the lower end, with the palletized loads being stored on the conveyor until the load at the lower end is removed, whereupon the loads are then automatically advanced downwardly. The conveyor includes a pair of parallel roller assemblies which vertically cyclically reciprocate according to a preselected pattern, the reciprocation of the roller assemblies being controlled by pneumatically inflatable hoses. Upon inflation, the roller assemblies are lifted upwardly to permit gravity-urged advance of the palletized loads, and upon deflation the loads are automatically lowered into braking engagement with stationary brake flanges positioned adjacent the roller assemblies.

Abstract: A press for panels or like articles comprising a lower press platen having depressed portions, U-shaped channel beams carried in the depressed portions having parts extending downwardly below the press platen, the beams being vertically movable with respect to the press platen and supporting rollers therein. When the press platen is moved to its lower non-pressing position the downwardly extending parts contact the stationary press structure and move the beams upwardly with respect to the platen so that the upper ends of the rollers protrude above the upper pressing surface of the platen to allow easy movement of the panels over the rollers into and out of the press, and when the press platen is lifted to exert its pressing action it moves upwardly with respect to the beams until the upper ends of the rollers no longer protrude above the upper pressing surface of the platen.

Abstract: A gravity-type roller conveyor having plural rollers mounted on an elongated support member which is movably positioned within an elongated frame member. The upper edges of the frame member have sidewardly extending flanges which define braking surfaces. An elongated hose is positioned in the bottom of the frame member and, when inflated, causes the support member and rollers to raise upwardly so that the rollers project above the braking surfaces. The hose, when at least partially deflated, causes the support member to move downwardly so that the rollers are positioned below the braking surfaces, whereby the articles supported on the rollers are lowered into engagement with the braking surfaces. A control device provides pressurized air to the hose in a pulsating manner to cause periodic raising and lowering of the rollers for controlling movement of the articles.

Abstract: A bundle squaring machine suitable particularly for squaring a bundle of cartons in readiness for strapping. The machine includes a conveyor system for conveying a bundle of randomly orientated stack of articles into a squaring zone, where the stack is squared-up laterally and fore and aft. While in the squaring zone, side squaring arms close in a lateral direction against the sides of the bundle, and a pusher device moves the bundle longitudinally forward against a pair of spring biased rollers which contact the leading edge of the bundle. Following a period of contact between the leading edge of the bundle and the rollers, the rollers are pivoted clear of the bundle and, thereafter, the side squaring arms move back to their initial position. During the squaring operation the conveyor system is halted, the bundle being advanced by the pusher device during this period, and following the squaring operation, the pusher device is retracted below the level of the conveyor system.

Abstract: The invention is in an aircraft provided with a flexible rail roller construction adapted to be positioned on the deck of a cargo space to provide for movement of cargo thereover and arranged to be quickly and easily moved to a storage position below the deck. To accomplish this the rollers are provided in a flexible track movable through a 180.degree. arc at one end of the deck by engagement with a curved arcuate guide surface to extend in an inverted position beneath the deck. In a preferred embodiment roller supporting axles extended between midpoints of rigid plate-like links.