Abstract: An annealed workpiece manufacturing method of irradiating a workpiece with laser light and annealing the workpiece includes a support step of supporting the workpiece, and an irradiation step of irradiating the supported workpiece with the laser light. In the support step, at least in a laser light irradiation area for the workpiece, the workpiece is supported by a cam member whose upper end height position is adjusted according to a rotation position.

Abstract: Provided is a device for flipping or rotating a floating aquatic cage to mitigate biofouling, and for farm management, such as to carry out maintenance and facilitate harvesting, particularly the style of floating cage used in farming oysters and other shellfish. The device includes a hollow frame or housing which defines a path through which the floating aquatic cage may pass, including entrance and exit openings; and one or more guide elements positioned on an inside surface of the hollow frame or housing. The one or more guide elements form an obstruction to opposing corners of the floating aquatic cage, and impart a turning force in such a manner as to rotate the floating aquatic cage.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for automated container retrieval and delivery systems. In one embodiment, an example container handling system may include a platform, a first rotatable arm disposed on a lower side of the platform, where the first rotatable arm is offset from a front end of the platform, a motor configured to rotate the first rotatable arm from a first position to a second position, and a first wheel disposed at a distal end of the first rotatable arm. The container handling system may be configured to raise a container from an angled position to a horizontal position, and the container may be in the horizontal position when the first rotatable arm is in the second position.

Abstract: A ramp kerb, for supporting a transverse edge of a ramp surface and a ramp lip extension having an attachment portion, comprises a first longitudinally extending channel open at an inner transverse edge of the ramp kerb for receiving a transverse edge of the ramp surface and a second longitudinally extending channel open at the inner transverse edge of the ramp kerb for receiving an attachment portion of the ramp lip extension. The first and second longitudinally extending channels are vertically spaced.

Abstract: A media handling assembly contains a transport path for driving a document sheet downstream in a process direction. A first side edge extends lengthwise along the process direction. A registration guide edge extends lengthwise along the process direction and is situated opposite the first side edge. The media handling assembly includes at least one nozzle that is arranged proximate the first side edge. The at least one nozzle selectively discharges an airstream transverse the process direction towards the registration guide edge. The airstream drives the sheet against the registration edge guide for side registering and deskewing of the sheet.

Abstract: Conveyor support rail attachment, comprising a plurality of attachment means arranged spaced apart along a longitudinal center axis, where every second attachment means is arranged on a left side of the center axis and every other attachment means is arranged on a right side of the center axis, and where each attachment means is provided with a bearing surface adapted to bear against a side section of a support rail, such that the support rail is supported only on one side at each attachment means. The advantage of the invention is that a support rail can easily be mounted to and removed from the conveyor support rail attachment, and further that the bearing surface between the support rail and the attachment means can be minimized. This allows for a support rail that is easy to clean.

Abstract: A versatile roof mounted cargo and recreation system is comprised of a tubular framework that provide a means for securing and transporting articles on the roof of a vehicle. The tubular framework also provides longitudinal channels which allow various accessories to be stored within the framework of the roof mounted carrier and which accessories can be arranged and fastened in a variety of configuration to serve multiple purposes such as adjusting the position of support members to support the weight of a removable hardtop for lifting and removing the hardtop and also for adjusting the position of the support members to support a canopy that is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A wear detection system for detecting beam wear along a support flange of a beam includes a rail riding portion configured to travel along the support flange and a processor portion connected to the rail riding portion. The rail riding portion includes a wear measurement system comprising one or more measuring sensors configured to provide an output indicative of thickness of the support flange. The processor portion includes an integrated processing system that receives the output of the one or more measuring sensors and generates measurement information based on the output.

Abstract: Provided is a frame structure for a vehicle including: a pair of main side rails which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and faces each other; and an extension side rail which is connected to a front portion of the main side rail in the vehicle longitudinal direction and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, wherein the extension side rail is formed so as to have a substantially C-shaped cross-section and is formed so that a front portion is lower than a rear portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A system for adjusting at least the vertical setting between a first transport device and a second transport device in a transport section for preforms for plastic containers. The first transport device has at least one outlet unit for accepting preforms from the second transport unit and a rail unit for further transport of the preforms, the outlet unit firstly being connected to the rail unit and secondly being arranged such that it can be moved freely with respect to the second transport device. Furthermore, the first and the second transport devices are connected to one another via an adjusting unit, it being possible for the height of at least the outlet unit to be adjusted with respect to the second transport device by the adjusting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first compartment and a second compartment is disclosed through which livestock animals move. The first compartment includes a first extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. The second compartment is vertically movable and includes a second extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. A method includes positioning a first end of an apparatus proximate a doorway of a building that contains a plurality of livestock animals; extending a first extension to the doorway; positioning a vehicle proximate a second end of the apparatus; moving at least one of the livestock animals from the building and into a first compartment; moving the animal from the first compartment to a second compartment; vertically moving the second compartment to a level of a deck of the vehicle; extending a second extension to the deck; and moving the animal from the second compartment onto the vehicle deck.

Abstract: Storing vehicle tire casings (4) by providing at least two channels (12) for storing casings, each one having an end stop (22), and a casing conveyor, capable of coming into alignment with any of the channels and containing a platform (32) that can receive a casing. A casing located in the channel is lifted until it is higher than the end stop. The lifting is done by a roller (46), which is mounted in such a way that it can move in the vertical direction in relation to the platform.

Abstract: A conveying device for cylindrical members, such as parisons (1) for hollow objects, has running rails (8, 9) which are inclined in the direction of travel of the parisons (1). A neck (3) of the parisons (1) which is part of a head (2) lies on the running rails (8, 9). A guide rail (11) which is located at a certain distance from the head (2) of the parisons (1) is fixedly arranged above the running rails (8, 9). A movable intermediate element (12) is retained and guided within the running rail (11). A force component (16) directed against the head (2) of the parisons (1) acts on the intermediate element (12).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a modular, portable, and adjustable wheelchair ramp that provides advantages and benefits over current wheelchair ramps. The ramp may be sold in a kit with individual elements, but it is also designed to provide a frame substructure that can be used with conventional decking materials, railings, and handrails.

Abstract: A ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and at least one rung extending substantially between the frame and being positioned between the first and second end portions, the at least one rung forming at least a portion of a ramp surface. The ramp may further include a plate extending substantially between the frame and being positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, and a lip pivotally attached to the plate at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is non-load bearing.

Abstract: A mobile loading dock for a vehicle including a load-bearing, fixed frame with a support plate connected to diagonal supports and horizontal support members. The dock has a planar ramp member with an underside including a wheel assembly. The assembly has a tension spring and hydraulic member attached to the underside. The tension spring exerts a pulling force and the hydraulic member exerts a pushing force. The combined forces are directionally disposed to erect the assembly when the lower end of the dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position.

Abstract: A ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and at least one rung extending substantially between the frame and being positioned between the first and second end portions, the at least one rung forming at least a portion of a ramp surface. The ramp may further include a plate extending substantially between the frame and being positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, and a lip pivotally attached to the plate at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is non-load bearing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ramp insert for insertion between rails and/or rungs of a ramp. An embodiment of the present invention includes a body that may have an adjustable length. The body may include a first section that may include a track portion and a second section that may include a groove portion. The groove portion may be capable of fitting together with the track portion. The first or second section may be capable of slidably moving with respect to the other section via the track portion and the groove portion. The ramp insert may be placed between the rails and/or rungs of the ramp whereby the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths. Since the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths, the ramp insert may fit many different kinds of ramps having various widths.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ramp insert for insertion between rails and/or rungs of a ramp. An embodiment of the present invention includes a body that may have an adjustable length. The body may include a first section that may include a track portion and a second section that may include a groove portion. The groove portion may be capable of fitting together with the track portion. The first or second section may be capable of slidably moving with respect to the other section via the track portion and the groove portion. The ramp insert may be placed between the rails and/or rungs of the ramp whereby the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths. Since the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths, the ramp insert may fit many different kinds of ramps having various widths.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a modular gutter for use by bicycles and other conveyances. When utilized, a conveyance may be guided along the gutter either by an individual on the conveyance or adjacent to it, whether up or down the gutter. The gutter may be manufactured in various lengths and arrangements, and additionally, the components of the gutter are designed to permit multiple subunits to be coupled to form longer gutters. Alternatively, the gutters may be cut to a desired length should the manufactured length be too long. Thus, the gutter may be sized for any of a variety of staircases. The gutter may be removably installed on existing staircases without the need to redesign or reconstruct the staircase.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in loading and unloading a snowmobile having spaced apart skis with runners extending from bottom surfaces thereof or for providing traction for loading and unloading a vehicle with a plurality of tires onto a trailer surface includes a base for attaching to the surface of the trailer. Upper surfaces of the base and bars reduces friction between the skis and surface of the trailer. The base also includes a trailing edge for providing traction for the plurality of tires for loading and unloading the vehicle.

Abstract: The roller conveyor for transporting good carriers, in particular skids used in the automobile industry, comprises a conveyor path consisting of several in series arranged roller path modules. Each roller path modules comprises two roller borders which are parallel to each other and between which at least one transport roller is arranged. The roller conveyor also comprises an operation unit movable with respect to the conveyor path. According to said invention, the operation unit is embodied in a modular manner and comprises the roller path module and moving gear modules fixed thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading bikes and motorcycles from the ground to a higher elevation such as into a transport vehicle without lifting. The apparatus permits the user to walk the bike or motorcycle into up a vehicle on a foldable, for easy storage, arcuate ramp. The user holds onto the bike or motorcycle and walks up the ramp from behind the cycle in a first embodiment; or adjacent to the vehicle into the van or truck in a second embodiment. The second embodiment includes a series of spaced steps or U-rungs on one or both sides of the ramp. Both versions fold for easy storage and portability and both embodiments can be separated into two parts for easy linear storage if needed.

Abstract: The tri-folding ramp is a portable, collapsible device that includes three sections which define an upper surface of the ramp as having an arc-shaped profile. The arc-shaped profile of the ramp can reduce the loading angle between the distal end of the ramp and an upper loading surface, thereby inhibiting contact between the vehicle's undercarriage and the ramp's upper surface and/or the upper loading surface as the vehicle is entering or exiting the ramp.

Abstract: An engagement structure adapted for securement to the end of an aircraft boarding bridge includes a floor, a first floor panel rotatably associated with the floor, and a second floor panel displaceably associated with the floor. The second floor panel is preferably mechanically associated with a drive assembly adapted for displacing the second floor panel relative to the first floor panel to provide a dimensionally adjustable floor area of a boarding bridge proximate the interface of the bridge and an aircraft serviced by the bridge. The engagement structure is adapted to accommodate the docking of the boarding bridge with aircraft having varied entry door configurations.

Abstract: A lightweight loading ramp deck and a method for forming such deck is provided. This loading ramp deck is capable of being used in a retractable loading ramp in the loading and unloading of intermodal cars. The loading ramp deck comprises a plurality of tubular members. Each of these tubular members comprises a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall, and longitudinal side walls. The top, bottom and side walls extend between the first and second ends. The tubular members are positioned such that the side walls are adjacently disposed with respect to each other and joined to form a loading deck which is inexpensive, lightweight, exceptionally strong and has excellent shear flow.

Abstract: A baggage chute for transferring baggage from an elevated level of an aircraft passenger boarding bridge to ground level. The chute includes at least one slide member which is shaped to form a truncated cylinder of arcuate cross-section and which has annularly extending ribs. A plurality of mounting members are used to fasten the slide member to the boarding bridge and to support the slide member. A baggage receiving area is attached near an end of the slide near ground level for receiving and retaining baggage. The receiving area includes a flexible member extending substantially across the receiving area for stopping the sliding of the baggage and which absorbs the impact of the baggage.

Abstract: A baggage chute for transferring baggage from an elevated level of an aircraft passenger boarding bridge to ground level. The chute includes at least one slide member which is shaped to form a truncated cylinder of arcuate cross-section and which has annularly extending ribs. A plurality of mounting members are used to fasten the slide member to the boarding bridge and to support the slide member. A baggage receiving area is attached near an end of the slide near ground level for receiving and retaining baggage. The receiving area includes a flexible member extending substantially across the receiving area for stopping the sliding of the baggage and which absorbs the impact of the baggage.

Abstract: An equipment loading plank that is detachably mounted on a machine tool table and used for easy and safe installation and removal of equipment on and off the machine tool work tables. The equipment loading plank includes a flat rectangular shaped body with an upper loading surface and a lower seating surface and a leg downwardly extending at an angle from one end of said loading plank. The leg is inserted into a T-slot in the machine tool table to detachably mount the loading plank to the machine tool table. The leg has a front face and a lower face that converge such that the leg can be wedged into the T-slot when the loading plank is seated on the machine tool table parallel to the upper surface of the machine tool table. The leg ends in a foot that prevents the leg from slipping from the T-slot whenever loads are placed on the loading plank.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for use in a shelf channel of rack storage facilities. The conveying apparatus (1) comprises circulating conveying means (2) for conveying and storing goods. The conveying means (2) is an endless loop formed partially by a roller chain (3) and partially by a tape (4). The roller chain (3) includes a plurality of chain links. Adjacent chain links are interconnected by an axes of a roller. The plurality of interconnected chain links includes two end links (31, 32). The end links (31, 32) are interconnected by the tape (4). A rail (10) extends linearly and supports a portion of said endless loop. The rail (10) has a loading/unloading end where the goods are loaded onto said conveying means (2) and unloaded from said conveying means (2). The rail (10) includes a first and a second deflection member (5, 6). The first deflection member (5) is located in a region of the loading/unloading end and the second deflection member (6) is located in a region remote from the loading/unloading end.

Abstract: A gravity flow rail conveyor and picking system comprises a plurality of conveyor rail lanes having module or pallet support surfaces that rise at a suitable gravity flow angle from a selectively erected abutment chock. When erected, the chock abutment prevents gravity flow of modules along the support surface below the chock. When retracted, at least one module is allowed to flow by gravity onto a level support surface suitable for interfacing with an automatic picking machine. As the picking module flows onto a respective level surface, the chock rotates to an erect position for preventing additional modules from passing the abutment point.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for shelf channels of shelf storage facilities comprises two parallely arranged, circulating conveying means (2) for receiving pallets (P). The conveying means (2) are partially designed as support roller chains (3) whose ends are interconnected by a rope (3). Two deflections (5, 6) are provided per conveying means (2) by means of which the particular conveying means is divided into an upper (7) and a lower run (8). In order to bring the two conveying means into a defined initial position after unloading the last pallet, several chain links (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) of the end region of the particular chain (3) near the unloading end are provided with a smooth surface. Moreover, an end stop member (15, 16) is provided for each conveying means (2) that limits the path of displacement of the chain (3) in the unloading direction.

Abstract: A guide rail mechanism for a bonding apparatus for transferring a workpiece such as a lead frame, etc. including a pair of guide rails each comprising an edge surface guide rail element for guiding the edge surface of the workpiece and an undersurface guide rail element disposed beneath the edge surface guide rail element so as to support the undersurface of the edge portion of the workpiece. A driver for the undersurface guide rail element comprised of a rotational shaft with an eccentric cam portion and other parts is installed so as to move the undersurface guide rail element, thus changing the positional relationship between the edge surface guide rail element and the undersurface guide rail element for workpieces of different thicknesses.

Abstract: A guide rail mechanism used for, for instance, a die boding apparatus and a wire bonding apparatus, including a pair of guide rail sections that face each other and convey a workpiece such as a lead frame in between. The guide rail sections include rail height adjustment spacers held by spring force between guide rails and guide rail stands, and this rail height adjustment spacer is replaced for other rail height adjustment spacers of different thicknesses by moving guide rail raising-and-lowering shafts by way of overcoming the spring forces of the springs provided thereon, thus assuring the same upper surface height level of workpieces of different thicknesses to be conveyed.

Abstract: A conveying method and a conveyor for carrying out the method is disclosed for manually moving plant stock around in a greenhouse. The method utilizes an elongated rectangular conveyor with rounded corners and handholds at each end and having the proper mix of rigid and pliable characteristics to allow pulling the conveyor from one bench across an aisle bridged by a stationary conveyor to an adjacent bench or along the length of a bench.

Abstract: A pallet including a ramp and two slide assemblies inserted between the pallet surface and the article to be shipped. The ramp is pivotally attached as part of the pallet structure and may be folded up during shipping and down during unloading. The slide assemblies include a strip of material with a low coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding on the pallet surface and the ramp.

Abstract: An impact or wear pad composed of a rubber or urethane sheet with one or more metal plates secured to one major surface. A threaded bolt is secured to each plate and extends outwardly from the rubber or urethane sheet at a right angle. The metal plates are vulcanized to the rubber sheet. The pad can be cut to any desired size or shape from a large sheet. The pad can be fastened to any desired surface by means of the bolts.

Abstract: An article unloading system for unloading articles from an article rack includes a pair of unloading ramps which are removably and pivotably attached to the rack beneath an upper article slot in the rack. The ramps are connected by a cross-member which is connected to a jack. A workman's platform is also removably attachable to the rack below the connection point of the ramps, and the jack is connected between the ramps and the platform. An article is slid from the upper article slot onto the ramps and latched into place. The ramps are then lowered via the jack to a position in which the article can be easily reached, the latch is remotely released and the article is off-loaded. The article rack can be a specialized rack with multiple stacked slots for carrying pickup truck covers and the articles to be unloaded can be pickup truck covers from upper slots within the rack.

Abstract: An adjustable can conveyor comprises a fixed trackwork assembly and a moveable trackwork assembly. The fixed trackwork assembly includes at least two outer collars, a can guide track and two guide rails. The moveable trackwork assembly includes at least two inner collars, a can guide track and two guide rails. An interlocking mechanism is used to secure the two trackwork assemblies together such that a track able to convey can bodies is created. The locking mechanism is adjustable such that the conveyor may be set up to move cans of varying length. Because of the interlocking mechanism used, the moveable trackwork assembly is completely supported by the fixed trackwork assembly during adjustments. Further, the four guide rails associated with both trackwork assemblies may be rotated in such a manner that allows for adjusting the conveyor for cans of varying diameter.

Abstract: A peripheral card header (100) is disclosed including an alignment device (160) and a hold-down anchor (230). The peripheral card header (100) is for mounting on a surface (110) and has application in portable electronic devices, such as electronic organizers. The hold-down anchor (230) has a lead-in feature (430) to allow a peripheral card (310) to be inserted without snagging or otherwise jamming before the complete insertion of the card.

Abstract: An improved discharge chute for a material handling system. The chute includes a generally elongated rectangularly shaped support backing. A sheet of low friction, wear resistant polymeric material is bonded to the upper surface of the support backing. In the preferred embodiment, the polymeric material is high density, textured polyethylene between about 15 and 50 mils in thickness. A second sheet of polymeric material is bonded to the lower surface of the support backing to prevent warping of the backing. A support frame is attached to the support backing for positioning one end of the chute adjacent to the discharge portion of the material handling system and the other end of the chute adjacent to a receiving station. Finally, a pair of dividers attached to the opposite sides of the support backing for confining the goods being discharged by the material handling system.

Abstract: A two-tier counter system for use in commercial foodservice having an upper level of top-defining modular counter units with upper work areas, end margins of substantially identical profile and dual latching apparatus for releasably interlocking adjacent units together in mating end-to-end abutting relationship; and a lower level of base-defining cabinet and leg supports for underlying supporting placement relative to the upper level counter units; and continuous mounting apparatus constructed and arranged for accommodating selective longitudinal positioning of the lower level supports relative to the upper level units. The invention also includes the modular top-defining counter unit, and the method of assemblying the counter unit.

Abstract: A raceway for guiding containers relative to a structure utilizing a yoke which is anchored to the structure. Elongated rods are each fastened in spaced relationship to the yoke structure by a clamp. The clamp includes a body portion with a slot for holding each of the rods while extending a portion of each of the rods beyond the body of the clamp.

Abstract: An arrangement for limiting the extent to which telescopically mounted sections (1,2,3) can be extended is enclosed in a chamber (7) between each pair of sections, so as to be out of the way of personnel handling the sections. The arrangement comprises two mutually co-acting devices which have the form of hollow bodies (5) and which are intended to engage one another when the sections of a pair of sections are extended to a maximum. The mutually facing surfaces of the hollow bodies are preferably provided with a damping ramp section (8).

Abstract: A mobile inclined ramp having longitudinal members that are disposed at the sides and are connected by transverse members that have a U-shaped cross-sectional configuraiton, with the cross parts of the transverse members being directed downwardly. To increase the load-carrying capacity of the tranverse members and to increase the traction of the travel surface of the ramp, plates are disposed between the cross parts of the transverse members. At the top, these plates end approximately at the level of anti-slip or traction elements of flanges of the transverse members. The plates are securely clamped between adjacent transverse members by bolt connections.

Abstract: A yarn package transferring apparatus having a slide for sliding yarn packages thereon from a yarn processing machine and a vertical endless belt assembly for raising the packages from the bottom of the slide to a conveyor which carries the packages for delivering to a location for further handling. The slide has an apparatus for orienting a predetermined leading or trailing end of the packages entering the slide for sliding thereon and a recess adjacent its lower end for uniformly positioning the packages for receipt by the vertical endless belt. A plurality of inclined platforms regularly spaced along the vertical endless belt translationally carry the packages to a package stripper which removes the supported packages from the platforms and loads the packages onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A positioning appliance for accurately positioning a container suspended on crane cables with respect to a chassis on which the container is being placed comprises two slide chutes (30, 31) which are each pivotably suspended on a carriage (32 and 33 respectively). The carriages can be moved along a rail (34). In order to make the appliance suitable for any type of chassis whatsoever, including a chassis suitable for the public highway, the slide chutes must not come into contact with the chassis. The appliance according to the invention makes this possible in that a spacer (37) which can be moved in the direction of movement of the carriages is disposed between the carriages. Each carriage is provided with a stopping device (38 and 39 respectively) which can be brought into engagement with the spacer by moving said carriages.

Abstract: A multi-positionable arrangement of substantially parallel bars which form a substantial track for a ball and for disposing the track to a position accessible to the feet, legs, hands and arms of the body to be exercised. The bars are adjustably spaced apart to provide for adjustment of contact engagement with ball surface so that repeated stroking of the ball on the track path requires striking contact at a particular point on the ball surface and thereby exercise of some specific body muscles and reflexes.

Abstract: A high speed gravity feed can conveyor comprises two facing C-shaped guides formed of hard chrome plated sheet metal. The guides are held in opposed spaced relationship by open U-shaped collars distributed along the conveyor. The collars distributed along the conveyor. The collars are formed with openings positioned downward having sufficient width to pass a can turned from a rolling orientation in the conveyor. The edges of the C-shaped guides are turned in a direction to support a rolling can and are covered with ultra-high molecular weight plastic to minimize rolling friction and protect the metal surface. The facing guide surfaces with chrome plating reduce sliding friction when a can end contacts a guide and reduce the potential for nicking the surface.

Abstract: A guide height adjuster comprises a block consisting of a plurality of steps of different heights integrally joined together and having a slot formed to allow the passage of a screw across all the steps, a guide holder having a through hole for the insertion of the screw, and a guide to formed as to cover substantially a channel through which components being handled pass, the guide being secured to, and supported by, the guide holder. The guide holder rests on one of the steps and is fastened to the block by the screw so that the guide can be held above the channel. The height of the guide above the channel can be changed by loosening the screw and moving the block with respect to the screw, thereby shifting the guide holder to another block step of a desired height.