Abstract: A transporter, such as a garbage truck, a forklift truck, an exchangeable trough for a truck or the like, is provided with a loading and tilting mechanism which is slidingly, rollingly or pivotably connected with the transporter for lifting a container or the like and emptying it in the transporter or another transporter. The loading and tilting mechanism includes engaging members which are mounted on an auxiliary frame which, by means of at least two coupling members, is connected with a main frame. The main frame is supported by the transporter or is part of it. In the coupling members, a device is present for measuring the load exerted on the coupling members so that a container supported by the auxiliary frame can be weighed.

Abstract: Weighed, rod-like product is deposited into a receptacle having a bottom wall formed by an iris plate assembly, which may be vibrated and which opens on command to drop the product into one of two cylindrical holding canisters with clamshell doors on their sides. The canisters are mounted in an "L" configuration which toggles back and forth through a 90 degree rotation presenting each canister first in a vertical position to receive product from the receptacle and then in a horizontal position to release product via the clamshell doors into a pocket such as a timing hopper, or a paperboard tray carried by a conveyor to a packaging machine. Interlocks are provided to preclude release of the product or movement of the conveyor when synchronization is lost with respect to either the weighing or packaging machine.

Abstract: Weighed, rod-like product is deposited into a receptacle having a bottom wall formed by an iris plate assembly, which may be vibrated and which opens on command to drop the product into one of two cylindrical holding canisters with clamshell doors on their sides. The canisters are mounted in an "L" configuration which toggles back and forth through a 90 degree rotation presenting each canister first in a vertical position to receive product from the receptacle and then in a horizontal position to release product via the clamshell doors into a pocket such as a timing hopper, or a paperboard tray carried by a conveyor to a packaging machine. Interlocks are provided to preclude release of the product or movement of the conveyor when synchronization is lost with respect to either the weighing or packaging machine.

Abstract: A shelf service apparatus is provided in the form of a crane for a store for rod-like material accomodated in self-supporting magazines or pallet boxes, where the store comprises shelving units arranged transversely of the storage space and aligned with one another in the direction of the storage space, which units comprise vertical shelf supports (2) with carrier arms (3) secured thereon one above another so as to extend in the direction of the storage space, for the magazines (4). The crane has load supporting forks (12) movable up and down by guide devices (16), with reception brackets (13) by which the magazines can be grasped and moved. To weigh the material in the pallet boxes, a receiver (18) is arranged, with spacing, on the forward portion of the reception brackets (13). The receiver is supported by transverse beams (20) in relation to the reception bracket 13. Weighing cells (20a) are coupled to the beams.

Abstract: A roll chucking apparatus is disclosed. The roll defines opposed side openings. The roll chucking apparatus includes a platform from supporting the roll. Lift structures vertically adjust the platform. Sensing structures sense an increase or decrease in the platform load upon the attempted initial insertion of opposed chucking pins into the opposed side openings. The lift structures vertically moves the platform and the roll until correct vertical alignment with the chucking pins occurs.

Abstract: A method of recording refuse in a container, where the refuse is poured into a container suspended in weighing cells on a refuse collection truck makes the weighing cells give an input to a computing device which calculates and records the weight of the refuse. The weighing container is then emptied, after which a new quantity of refuse can be weighed. For identification purposes each container is fitted with a transponder signalling to the computing device. The quantity of refuse in each container is hereby recorded thus permitting billing by quantity.

Abstract: Weighed, rod-like product is deposited into a receptacle having a bottom wall formed by an iris plate assembly, which may be vibrated and which opens on command to drop the product into one of two cylindrical holding canisters with clamshell doors on their sides. The canisters are mounted in an "L" configuration which toggles back and forth through a 90 degree rotation presenting each canister first in a vertical position to receive product from the receptacle and then in a horizontal position to release product via the clamshell doors into a pocket such as a timing hopper, or a paperboard tray carried by a conveyor to a packaging machine. Interlocks are provided to preclude release of the product or movement of the conveyor when synchronization is lost with respect to either the weighing or packaging machine.

Abstract: The lifting capacity of a human subject is assessed through dynamic testing protocols utilizing a cylindrical robot that tracks the path of the lift and provides load position information to a data analysis system. The movable linkage of the cylindrical robot moves in a very low friction manner and is designed to be extremely lightweight, while having remarkable strength and rigidity to withstand bending moments and torsional effects. Thus, the apparatus permits three-dimensional lift testing of actual loads, including actual job loads, with the test subject experiencing the true feel and inertial effects of the load. Static force transducers and related means are provided to permit isometric testing.

Abstract: An asphaltic mix storage system has an improved conveying apparatus including a housing which is upwardly inclined from the horizontal so as to extend from approximately ground level to the top of a storage container. The conveying apparatus also includes a drag-type conveyor in the housing comprising an endless conveyor chain having spaced apart conveying blades carried thereby with the lower edges of the conveying blades in sliding engagement with the lower wall of the housing. The forward faces of the conveying blades and the lower wall of the housing define an acute angle therebetween to prevent carryover of asphaltic mix beyond the discharge chute at the upper end of the apparatus.

Abstract: An asphalt production plant which is adapted to process mixtures of recycled paving and aggregate, and which comprises a rotary drum dryer for heating and drying stone aggregate, and an elevator for conveying the heated and dried aggregate to an elevated discharge location. A batch tower is positioned adjacent the elevator, and the batch tower comprises an aggregate sizing screen which receives and segregates the aggregate by size, and several underlying aggregate storage bins, with each aggregate bin receiving aggregate of predetermined average size from the sizing screen. Also, a recycle bin is positioned between and in alignment with the aggregate bins. A weigh hopper is provided for receiving the aggregate and/or recycle material from the bins, and a pugmill is positioned below the weigh hopper for mixing the material with hot liquid asphalt and then delivering the resulting mix into an underlying truck.

Abstract: A method for determining a weight of material being emptied from a container is shown. The container is lifted to and lowered from an emptying position in a lift empty and lower cycle by an arm which has at least two sensors mounted on it. The method includes selecting at least one measurement position, calibrating the sensors by recording the respective outputs from each of the sensors for both an empty arm and for an arm lifting and lowering a calibrating weight. The outputs recorded for the calibrating weight can then be subtracted from the outputs recorded for the empty arm. Then, an unknown load can be lifted emptied and lowered with the output of the sensors being similarly recorded at the measurement position. By subtracting the output recorded during the lifting portion of the cycle for the unknown load from the output recorded during the lowering cycle for the unknown load a change in output for each sensor at the measurement position can be obtained.

Abstract: An industrial truck designed, for example, as a counterweight fork lift truck has a lifting stand 2, which is pivotable around a tilting axis N situated crosswise to the vehicular longitudinal axis in the front area of the vehicle in a lifting stand support. The counterweight fork lift truck is also provided with a monitoring unit for detecting and indicating the loading state, which has at least one measuring device located in the lifting stand support. The measuring device designed, for example, as a strain gauge 12, 13 picks up the vertical bearing forces and the horizontal ones parallel to the vehicular longitudinal axis, F.sub.V and F.sub.H. The measuring device is connected with a data storage unit 13, which is connected to a loading state indicator 14. Both static and dynamic loads on the fork lift truck can be indicated.

Abstract: Load cells are provided at the fixed end of each cable of a multiple-cable lifting head adapted for use at the free end of a knuckle boom or other aerial crane for lifting and operating "IGLOO" recyclable waste containers and the like. The load cells provided with each selectively controllable cable of the multiple-cable lifting head provide a signal through a J Box to a remote scale indicator at the base of the knuckle boom or crane in order to facilitate weighing the container at the beginning and end of the waste removal process so as to accurately determine the waste weight simultaneously with the removal thereof from the container.

Abstract: A method of recording refuse in a container, where the refuse is poured into a container suspended in weighing cells on a refuse collection truck makes the weighing cells give an input to a computing device which calculates and records the weight of the refuse. The weighing container is then emptied, after which a new quantity of refuse can be weighed. For identification purposes each container is fitted with a transponder signalling to the computing device. The quantity of refuse in each container is hereby recorded thus permitting billing by quantity.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an automatic method and apparatus for ascertaining the mass-moment of a blade of a jet engine. It encompasses robotic means to transport the blade from its loading station to the weighing station where its mass-moment is computed via a computer. Afterwards, the blade is returned to the loading station where the cycle begins over again.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an automatic apparatus and method for determining the mass-moment of a blade of a jet engine. It encompasses an elongated weighing beam that is lifted up off both the weighing scale and a fixed fulcrum block during the loading and unloading of the blade with respect to the weighing beam. When measurements are to be taken, the weighing beam, with blade attached, is lowered onto the scale and the fixed fulcrum block. The value measured by the scale is sent to a computer for calculation of the blades' mass-moment.

Abstract: A load weighing system for refuse trucks preferably of the type using a front end loader which lifts, empties and lowers containers. Measurements are made of variable angles of pivoting elements and forces within hydraulic cylinders causing the pivoting elements to pivot. Other measurements are made of geometric constants in the apparatus. Sensors monitor the measured variables and the output is provided to a computational unit. The computational unit has been pre-programmed with the measured geometric constants and combines the variables with the constants to calculate a distance to the center of gravity of a container being emptied. Once the distance is calcuated, the measured force within the hydraulic cyinder can be used to calculate a weight. The weight of the container being lowered as calculated is then subtracted from the weight of the container raised as calculated. The resultant weight is the weight of the refuse emptied from the container.

Abstract: A portable concrete batch plant which may be pulled from one location to another and which may be used either as a transit mix batch plant or a central mix batch plant. The batch plant is mounted on a wheeled frame comprised of a rear frame section and a front frame section removeably secured thereto. The batch plant is transported from one location to another with the rear and front frame sections connected together. If the batch plant is desired to be used as a transit mix plant, the front and rear frame sections remain connected together. If it is desired to use the concrete batch plant as a central mix batch plant, the front and rear frame sections are separated with the front frame section being spaced horizontally and vertically from the rear frame section with an extension conveyor being positioned there between.

Abstract: A system includes a point-of-use container having a plurality of removable bins with each bin for a different recyclable material. A pickup container, transportable to a pickup location, has a plurality of bins corresponding to the point-of-use bins, each bin having a normally closed hinged lid. A truck body has a set of bins corresponding to the pickup container bins and an automated arm mechanism for holding the lids closed, and for picking up and inverting the pickup container over the truck body bins. A computer is programmed to control the arm mechanism to perform the required movements. A barcode on the pickup container is read and each lid is released selectively when each bin is over a corresponding truck body bin to dump the contents of the container bins. The container is returned to its pickup location and released.

Abstract: An hydraulic bypass control system for tapping off the lift circuit of an hydraulically operated lifting device. The bypass control system slowly releases hydraulic fluid from the lift circuit and directs it back to the reservoir in a controlled manner so a load is smoothly moved from a reference position to a weighing position. Reliable weighing may be obtained by avoiding dynamic shaking, vibration and pressure surges, which permits the weighing step to be reliably made at the same point or range and affords precise calibration of a load transducer with a weighing instrument to be made.

Abstract: A hydraulic bypass control system for tapping off the lift circuit of a hydraulically operated lifting device. The bypass control system slowly releases hydraulic fluid from the lift circuit and directs it back to the reservoir in a controlled manner so a load is smoothly moved from a reference position to a weighing position. Reliable weighing may be obtained by avoiding dynamic shaking, vibration and pressure surges, which permits the weighing step to be reliably made at the same point or range and affords precise calibration of a load transducer with a weighing instrument to be made.

Abstract: In an apparatus for emptying containers, particularly refuse containers, the lifting and tipping frame (111) present the container (106) to be emptied is actuated by means of a pressure medium power circuit. This apparatus possesses, inter alia, an electrical control device (70) to activate the pressure medium power circuit, an actuating device (72) for activating the electrical control device (70), and also a switch device (92, 94) for affecting the lifting and tipping motion of the lifting and tipping frame (111), wherein the switch device is actuated by the container (106) received on the lifting and tipping frame. This apparatus is distinguished in that the switch device (92, 94) is operative for the further lifting and tipping motion only after initiation of the lifting and tipping motion, and the actuating device is a switch element (72) to be operated independently of the switch device.

Abstract: A safety circuit arrangement for use with lifting/tilting devices for emptying garbage containers into garbage trucks. To prevent the manipulation of switches such as flap and acknowledgement signal switches provided on such lifting/tilting devices, for the safety of the operating personnel, these switches are connected to a current flow monitor 25 which is electrically connected to an automatic control unit 30 for the automatic emptying of the garbage containers. This current flow monitor 25 transmits a "clear" signal to the automatic control unit 30 only if the flap and acknowledgement switches 16 and 11 are in their intended positions. In addition, other safety switches may be provided, such as lower and upper reference switches 9 and 32, respectively and a barrier switch 13.

Abstract: A physically integrated manufacturing and materials handling system comprising a conveyor system and a storage system. A conveyor system is described which includes structure for receiving pallets having metal sheets or the like placed thereon so that the metal sheets may be removed therefrom and placed on a storage system pallet. The loaded storage system pallets are transported to storage bays or other locations within the facility by means of an electronically guided forklift truck.

Abstract: A method of supplying stacks of flat articles to a packing machine comprises the following steps: charging receptacles in a dosing device with articles to obtain in each receptacle an article stack shorter and lighter than a predetermined weight and length; advancing some of the charged receptacles to a standby station and some of the charged receptacles to a fine dosing device; and charging the receptacles in the fine dosing device with articles until the predetermined weight and length are substantially reached. The charging step in the fine dosing device includes the step of transferring articles from a receptacle dwelling in the standby station to a receptacle dwelling in the fine dosing device. Thereafter, the receptacles are advanced from the fine dosing device to the packing machine. The empty receptacles are advanced from the packing machine and the standby station to the dosing device.

Abstract: Equipment for handling containers such as refuse bins for garbage, comprising lifting and tipping structures which are power actuated, and comprising automatic control systems employing micro-processors, sensing and read-out devices by which there is effected automated handling of the bins, determination of the contents and other data relating to garbage collection.

Abstract: A refuse conveyor system for a multi-floor building is disclosed, which includes: (a) a multi-floor building having a plurality of floors, (b) a vertical shaft defined by walls and extending through one or more floors of the multi-floor building, one of the walls having a window at portions corresponding to the respective floors of the multi-floor building, (c) a transport control system, (d) a refuse container for storing and conveying refuse, the refuse container having a closeable opening and a lid for closing the opening, (e) a compartment having a window on one side thereof and an opening on the top side thereof, the window facing and communicating with the window of the vertical shaft, (f) a weight sensor for checking the fullness of the refuse container with the refuse, (g) a transport mechanism for transporting the refuse container, the transport mechanism being operatively communicated with the transport control system, (h) a conveyor having a conveyor belt operatively communicated with the transport

Abstract: The present invention concerns a storage structure for yarn bobbins and it comprises a plurality of storage units having support devices of the bobbin. Such storage units are distributed in a plurality of stationary deposit equipments. The storage units contained within each stationary deposit equipment are movable along an annular path. The stationary deposit equipments are vertically superimposed in groups. The groups of deposits are arranged in lateral, side-by-side relationship, thus defining a vertical surface of loading and a vertical surface of unloading, which are accessible from devices of loading and unloading, respectively.

Abstract: A transfer device for use in treating a work product is disclosed, in which a first gripper assembly rotates about a pivot point located between an input conveyor and a station, and a second gripper assembly rotates about a pivot point positioned between the station and an output conveyor. The rotation of each gripper assembly may be accelerated or decelerated at predetermined points in the rotation cycle by use of a cam, roller, and linkage mechanism.

Abstract: The feeding system comprises one or more material storage devices and a discharge device associated with each storage device. Each discharge device comprises a conveyor channel tilted upwardly and away from its inlet arranged to be connected with the outlet of the storage device. A chute is adapted to be loosenably suspended, rapidly and simply, on the lower longitudinal side of the conveyor channel in a working position, a sampling position or in an emptying position, as required. In its working position the chute is positioned parallel to the conveyor channel, while the upper outlet of the conveyor channel opens into the chute at the upper end of the latter. In its sampling position the chute is tilted downward and away from the upper end of the conveyor channel at a right angle to the latter. In its emptying position the chute is tilted downward and away from the lower end, i.e. from the start of the conveyor channel and at a right angle to the latter.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide, for use on a limited site, an integrated architectural structure comprising particular personal occupancy space, particular automotive vehicle parking space, and particular access space communicating therebetween, all intimately juxtaposed. The personal occupancy space contains a plurality of personal occupancy units, i.e. apartments or offices, and at least one personal occupancy elevator and stairwell. The vehicle parking space contains one or more elevator lifts of specific design, namely, a lift that is movable only vertically and that includes a vertical array of levels, each level of which includes a horizontal array of automotive vehicle locations. Movement of this parking lift to selected vertical positions is such that selected levels of the vertical array communicate with the access level at selected times for vehicle storage or vehicle retrieval.

Abstract: A measuring device (60) measures the value (t) of a chosen parameter (thickness) of what has been lifted by a lifting assembly (40) from a stack of sheets (1) of material and allows the lifted material to be moved from the stack when the value is in a predetermined relationship to a reference value (T). One (45a) of a plurality of selectively releasable members (45) on the lifting assembly (40) is moveable in two horizontal directions to locate a sheet attached to the one releaseable member (45a) against locating pins (5, 6) on the work table (3) of the punch press (4). The entire system may be operated automatically by a controller (90).

Abstract: When the center of gravity of the load put on the two prongs of a forklift is located to the right or left of the central position, the prongs are tilted. The invention is intended to prevent the prongs from tilting in this situation. Tilt sensors are mounted on the prongs. A computer calculates the tilt angles of the prongs, based on the output signals from the sensors. A driving device receives the output signals from the computer and brings the prongs into the horizontal.

Abstract: A portable self-erecting storage apparatus for asphaltic mix or the like is disclosed, and which comprises a main frame, and three separate wheeled carriages which are mounted in tandem and are concurrently pivotable between a lowered ground engaging position so that the apparatus is highway transportable, and a raised position so that the frame contacts the ground and thus forms the foundation pad for the apparatus during use. The illustrated embodiment includes a secondary frame which supports a storage container, and the secondary frame and the container may be pivoted about an elevated axis between a generally horizontal transport position and a vertical upright or operative position.

Abstract: A portable self-erecting storage apparatus for asphaltic mix is disclosed and which comprises an elongate material conveying assembly and a separate material storage assembly. The two assemblies are adapted to be separately transported on a highway to the construction site. To effect erection at the construction site, the two assemblies are joined in a nose-to-nose arrangement, and then lifted together in a smooth, continuous lifting operation by a pair of hydraulic jacks mounted on the storage assembly. In the erected position, the container of the storage assembly is vertically oriented and positioned at an elevated location above ground level so as to permit a truck to be driven below the container, and the conveying assembly is inclined upwardly so that its discharge end overlies the top of the container.

Abstract: This invention discloses a truck with a hand-operatable bed of which the front side under surface is provided with a pair of front wheels and of which the rear side under surface is supported by a hydraulic cylinder, for lifting or lowering the bed, mounted on a pair of rear wheels by means of bearings, which is characterized by being further provided with an overload-sensing device and an alarm-raising device to be put into operation according to the sensing of the overload-sensing device. Because operators can be told about an overload immediately by the devices, they do not have to keep a plunge pump working without being aware of an overload applied on the cylinder as did before. What is more, as they can realize whether the cause of not feeding oil to the cylinder has come from troubles in pressure lines or an overload, they can take measures against the cause at their earliest possible, with the result that the safety and the operatability in handling the truck are improved greatly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a truck with a hand-operatable bed provided with wheels for use in moving, a hydraulic cylinder for lifting or lowering the bed, and a plunger pump for feeding oil into the hydraulic cylinder by pulling a pumping handle, which is characterized by being additionally provided with a load sensor that detects the change in the hydraulic pressure inside the cylinder, and an indicator that indicates that change calculated in terms of the weight of a cargo on the bed.

Abstract: A portable, self erect silo for hot mix asphalt having two, side-by-side bins. A single drag slat conveyor directs hot mix asphalt into either bin by use of a single slug feeder pivotally attached to the discharge end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A system for loading coal (particles) into railroad cars 16 wherein a control weight of a railroad car 16 loaded with coal (particles) is established and a maximum permissible weight of a railroad car 16 loaded with coal (particles) is known, the control weight being less than the maximum permissible weight, The system utilizes a continuous loading system 12 and a batch loading system 14. Coal (particles) first is loaded into each of the railroad cars 16 utilizing the continuous loading system 12 and the continuous loading system 12 is designed such that the continuous loading system 12 loads an amount of coal (particles) into each of the railroad cars 16 having a weight less than the predetermined control weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compensating method applicable to vehicles having a lifting device made up of a mast (4) and vertically adjustable load carrier (5) provided on the mast. The method is for compensating departures in the position of loads (8, 9), preferably goods on loading stools or pallets, on the load carrier (5) relative to a frame (2) of a wheel driver vehicle (1). Loads (8, 9) of different weight when lifted to various heights deflect the mast (4) outwards in various degrees from an unloaded position. The vehicle (1) is adapted to repeatedly deliver loads (8, 9) on the load carrier (5) at different levels (12, 13, 14) in a storage system (11) and in predetermined delivering positions (P3) on each such level (12, 13, 14). A drive-up length (L.sub.o) corresponding to moving the vehicle (1) without a load (8, 9) from a reference point (R2) to a delivering position (P2) has been determined. In order to provide quick and safe compensation of deflections, the invention determines the size (.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically measuring the grain fineness, the gypsum content and the limestone content of a cement sample.A first fraction of the sample is loaded by a vibrating hopper into a crucible resting on an automatic scale. This crucible is handled sequentially by tongs on two revolving arms carried on slidable vertical shafts. The circular paths of the arms intersect at a point just above the scale. Motions of the arms and of the tongs are controlled by a programming unit. The weighed sample is poured into a sieve and the weight of oversize grains is automatically related to the sample weight.Gypsum is measured by heating a second fraction of the sample at 1000.degree. C. plus in an oxygen stream, Fe powder being added from a fixed hopper. The crucible is raised into an induction furnace. Released SO.sub.2 is bubbled in a titration cell to which potassium iodate is gradually added by a burette giving an automatic read-out of the SO.sub.3 (gypsum) titration.

Abstract: An emptying utility for containers, in particular for emptying garbage containers into the collecting tank of a garbage truck, is equipped with a weighing device which determines during the uninterrupted progress of the emptying operation, in one or two time clock windows, the weight of the filled container moving upwardly and, possibly, the weight of the emptied container moving downwardly. Towards this end there is provided a force transducer at that element of the pour-in utility which is connected to the fixed support of the utility, either directly or via an intermediate member. Display and/or registering instruments of the utility contain a control and computing unit which is capable of selecting predetermined measured values, for use in evaluation, from all those measured values which are constantly being supplied by the force transducer during the entire, uninterrupted course of the emptying operation.

Abstract: An installation for charging a shaft furnace equipped with a distribution spout, several storage containers, a sluicing system and a valve cage is presented. The containers are arranged next to each other and are horizontally displaceable between a first position aligned on the vertical axis of the shaft furnace, where the material is unloaded; and a second position laterally separated from the vertical axis of the shaft furnace, where the containers are filled.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system for use at a pipe manufacturing facility includes a computer and memory; a storage/retrieval crane operable in a storage yard; a plurality of containers, each being capable of containing material for storage and a load crane for at least one of loading or unloading respective containers. The computer is on-site proximate the storage yard and includes means for monitoring and controlling the storage/retrieval crane and load crane, means for monitoring and storing in memory information of container positions in the storage yard and means for coordinating operation of the storage/retrieval crane and load crane. The crane stores and retrieves containers in the yard in a three dimensional array, can carry containers on the crane feet, and may deliver or retrieve containers relative to load/unload stations including a load crane. At such stations pipe is transferred between containers and the load crane.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a distribution spout and a hopper which has two containers mounted thereabove provided with sealing valves and a metering member. In order to simplify the weighing system, the hopper is independent of the mouth of the furnace and is located inside a sealed chamber. The hopper is suspended by a device which enables it to be coupled to the container which is being emptied and to be uncoupled from the container which is being filled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: In order to move heavy large diameter tires and the like cargo from a storage site to a work place a cradle adapted to support the cargo is suspended at the end of a foldably linkage arrangement. The linkage arrangement is foldably into a compact form at one end of the vehicle and provided with a servo/damper arrangement which permits the weight of the cargo to be compensated for in a manner which permits the linkage to automatically return the cradle quickly and smoothly to a predetermined height.

Abstract: A system wherein a contractor of a rental safe-deposit box can privately obtain, handle and restore his own box in the fire-proof safe room. The system includes an automatic article retrieval and storage unit located within the safe room and having contractors' safe-deposit boxes. A plurality of private compartments for contractors' use are disposed separately from the safe room and are connected to the retrieval and storage unit by conveyor devices extending through a safe room wall opening having a fire-proof door. Each private room includes a user's data input terminal device and a handling table. A reception data input terminal is provided at a reception counter. When a contractor visits the reception counter, a reception serial number card is issued to him. The reception serial number and his box code are inputted by the reception input terminal. Thereafter, the contractor inputs his own private code and the issued reception serial number in a private compartment.

Abstract: An improved mobile batch plant that is entirely self-erecting and completely contained as operated between transport and functional modes by a single operator. A truck-towed main frame hingedly supports a tower assembly that includes cement storage and weigh bins and water storage and weigh tanks proximate a materials release point to be received by a mixer. An aggregate and/or sand hopper and conveyor are located forward on the main frame and these serve to move aggregate materials to the release point. A hydraulic linear actuator system operates to move the tower assembly between the vertical operational position and the horizontal transport position where conveyor and tower are compacted against the main frame.