Abstract: A log hauling hand truck that acts as a log transporter and lifter has a generally planar height adjustable platform in combination with a retained and adjustable hook. A hand brake has a releasing actuator and an alternative locking actuator for selective braking by an operator. When the load platform is parallel to the ground, the log hauling hand truck is stabilized by locked wheels, a fixed stand, and handle guards, each which independently contact the ground. Roll-off preventing guards may be provided adjacent to the load surface of the adjustable height platform. The platform is preferably open and comprises an expanded metal load surface.

Abstract: A refuse receptacle lifter is disclosed which is movable between a retracted and a dumping position for lifting and inverting refuse receptacles of the type including spaced apart upper and lower engagement surfaces. The lifter may include an actuator with a rotary output shaft, a lift arm attached to the rotary output shaft, an upper engagement member carried at least in part by the lift arm, a first actuator arm pivotally mounted to the lift arm and a second actuator arm pivotally mounted to the base. The actuator arms are attached to an extension assembly that carries a lower engagement member. Upon rotation of the output shaft, the upper engagement member is moved between a lower retracted position and a raised position and the lower engagement member is moved between a retracted position and an extended position, for lifting and inverting a refuse receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an operator of an electric-component supply device including component feeders mounted on feeder support and each accommodating electric components, the apparatus including (a) a position indicator operable to indicate the feeder-mounting position at which the component feeder is to be mounted on the feeder support, and/or the feeder-mounting position at which the component feeder has been removed from the feeder support, and/or (b) a feeder indicator operable to indicate at least one of (i) the component feeder which has been mounted on the feeder support, (ii) the component feeder which is to be removed from the feeder support and (iii) the component feeder on which an intermediate operation is required to be performed between moments of the operations to mount and remove the component feeder on and from the feeder support.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for heating powder material charges to high temperatures at a fast rate, and for moving the charges through process operations, and for maintaining the temperatures of preheated charges and protecting the charges against contamination as they are moved through process operations.

Abstract: A soft landing cantilever boat loader for loading semiconductor wafer carrying boats into a furnace process tube includes a loading station having one or more loading assemblies, an automatically controlled door associated with each loading assembly for selectively closing an end of the process tube and a microcomputer based control system for controlling and coordinating process operations. The loading assemblies are of a low profile configuration and each include a boat supporting, cantilevered paddle that is mounted by a quick release mechanism on a carriage which is driven along ways by a motor. A motor speed control circuit provides closed loop motor speed using a pulse width modulated motor drive. A door operating mechanism provides movement of the door along two transverse axes to assure tight sealing of the door against the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering solid fuel into a fireplace safely and easily includes a fuel supporting rack which may be pivoted between a horizontal fuel supporting position to a downwardly angled unloading position by means of a control lever having its operating end positioned a substantial distance from the fireplace.

Abstract: A device to load semiconductor wafers into a furnace when the wafers are contained in a boat, the device including a tower movable horizontally on rails and a ram mounted on the tower to be independently movable horizontally so that the joint movement of the ram and the tower provide a telescoping effect, the ram also being tiltable in a vertical plane to a position with its end higher than the portion attached to the tower whereby a boat carrier held on the end of the ram in its tilted position can be placed in the furnace, lowered into contact with the furnace floor by moving the ram to a horizontal position and then retracted without causing sliding of the boat carrier against the furnace floor.