Abstract: A multi-functional cargo transfer vehicle and method. The multi-functional cargo transfer vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a cargo conveying rack, a lifting mechanism, and a control system; the vehicle body is located below for providing a platform and support; the cargo conveying rack is located above the vehicle body and includes a plurality of layers for loading and unloading cargoes; the lifting mechanism is located on the outer side of the cargo conveying rack for lifting the cargo conveying rack; the control system is located on the vehicle body for controlling omni-directional driving, accurate butt joint, and automatic loading and unloading of the multi-functional cargo transfer vehicle. Accordingly, a multi-functional cargo transfer vehicle is adopted such that the multi-task functions of loading and unloading, transporting, and conveying of cargoes are simultaneously realized, thereby efficiently completing the transferring process of cargoes from a storage place to a transporting carrier.

Abstract: An automated connection and disconnection system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be implemented by a first component of an electric vehicle and a second component of the battery assembly. The first component includes a linear actuator that is configured to push a set of electrical connectors associated with the electric vehicle outward and establish a connection with a corresponding set of electrical connectors associated with the battery assembly. The process of connecting or docking the battery assembly to the electric vehicle is thereby automated and the time needed to exchange batteries is reduced. The system further includes provisions for ensuring the two components remain aligned relative to one another during docking.

Abstract: An object handling device handles a first object and a second object. A lower support beam, a first side frame and a second side frame define a lower object holding channel for supporting the first object. A first upper support beam and a second upper support beam define an upper object holding channel. An object lift vertically lifts the first object from the lower object holding channel to the upper object holding channel. A beam lift pivots the lower support beam and the first object. A lower hoist positions a second object within the lower object holding channel. A first telescoping support beam and a second telescoping support beam define an angled object displacement channel. An upper hoist links with the first object for displacing the first object along the angled object displacement channel.

Abstract: A workpiece transportation system includes a machining palette that is able to move while holding a cut workpiece including a product and the remainder; a supporter that receives the workpiece from the machining palette and supports the workpiece; a suction attacher disposed on the supporter and attaches by suction to at least the product in the workpiece supported by the supporter; and a gripper that separates the remainder from the product attached to by suction by the suction attacher.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for handling a first dumpster and a second dumpster. The method comprises the steps of lifting the first dumpster from a lower dumpster holding channel to an upper dumpster holding channel. The lower dumpster holding channel, the upper dumpster holding channel and the first dumpster are pivoted relative to a rear chassis. The second dumpster is positioned into the lower dumpster holding channel. An angled dumpster displacement channel is extended from the rear chassis. The first dumpster is lowered from the upper dumpster holding channel and along the angled dumpster displacement channel. The lower dumpster holding channel, the upper dumpster holding channel and the second dumpster are pivoted relative to the rear chassis.

Abstract: A safety feature prevents a two wheeled electric paper lift from raising a paper tray on uneven ground that includes a tilt switch positioned in parallel with an upper limit switch that controls the height in a vertical direction of the paper tray. When a tilt angle of the paper lift is greater than 5° the tilt switch will prevent the paper tray from being raised and thereby prevent the load on the paper tray from shifting or tipping over and causing injury to an operator.

Abstract: A shuttle van system for a container terminal, including: at least one rail and a transfer device. The transfer device includes a plurality of shuttle vans and a plurality of transition platforms. Each shuttle van includes: a base frame, a wheel group, a wheel driving device, a lifting device, and a supporting plate. Each transition platform includes brackets. The shuttle vans run on the rail between the brackets. The lifting device of the shuttle van is configured to lift the container from the supporting plate. The container is transferred from the supporting plate of the shuttle van to the bracket after contraction of the lifting device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a cargo transfer system, a method of transferring cargo containers, and a method of handling cargo containers including a cargo transfer pallet capable of supporting a plurality of cargo containers thereon, a cargo loader vehicle capable of receiving the cargo transfer pallet thereon, and a cargo staging structure capable of receiving the cargo transfer pallet thereon and capable of receiving the cargo loader vehicle therein such that the cargo transfer pallet is supported by the cargo staging structure over at least a portion of the cargo loader vehicle.

Abstract: A conveyor shuttle having a conveyor belt for conveying textiles across a wash alley from a washing machine (selected from among a plurality of washing machines) to a drying machine (selected from among a plurality of drying machines). The shuttle travels along the work alley among and between the washing machines and the drying machines. Some embodiments further include guide hardware to help guide soiled laundry into the washing machine. Some embodiments include an operator platform and an operator control system so that a human user can ride on the shuttle and help control various wash alley functions.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for transporting items along a conveying path from a loading station to a discharge station comprises a car that can be driven in a conveying direction along the conveying path, the car having a frame and a first load-handling device borne by the frame, which is mounted so as to be infinitely adjustable in height in a controlled manner relative to the frame, wherein a second load-handling device is arranged on the frame adjacent to the first load-handling device and is mounted independently thereof so as to be infinitely adjustable in height in a controlled manner.

Abstract: For use with lazy-portrait narrow-end to narrow-end (LPEE) formatted document pages printed on a continuous web of material, an apparatus and method of use for assembling correctly page-sequenced document sets that utilizes a slitter for separating the LPEE formatted document pages into two separate streams of continuous sheets that are loaded onto a document transfer cart that has two side-by-side and hinged-together document receiving trays, for each tray a removable bottom support plate assembly having casters on the lower portion of one of the bottom support plates, a top document delivery roller for each tray, a central hinge connecting the two trays to each another, support rack pivot rods, a handle secured to each tray, and cart transfer wheels.

Abstract: A loading assembly including a static or mobile frame having a platform adjustably supported thereon and a hopper for containment of material to be loaded being movable relative to the platform between a loading position and an unloading position. A positioning assembly is adjustably interconnected to the frame and cooperatively disposed and structured relative to the platform and hopper to facilitate disposition of the hopper between the loading and unloading positions. The positioning assembly is further structured to assume a retaining relation to the material initially loaded into the hopper and subsequently being unloaded from said hopper, concurrently to the movement of the hopper from the unloading position to the loading position.

Abstract: This is a stacker cart useful to collect a paper stack in a paper-handling system. The stacker cart has wheels so that it can be moved into and out of a housing in the system. At a top section of the stacker cart is a slidable plate that receives the paper stack after processing, finishing or marking. This slidable plate has on its lower surface sliders that allow easy moving of the slidable plate off the stacker cart. The slidable plate has at least one hook that is connected to a rope or other remover for moving the slidable plate to a second surface.

Abstract: In a transport carriage for the patient-bearing surface of an operating table, comprising a chassis (10), two supports (58) which are arranged thereon and each have at their upper ends an interface (60) for connecting to a complementary interface on the patient-bearing surface, and a lifting device (48) for adjusting the height of the interfaces (60) relative to the chassis (10), the supports (58) are carried by a pivoting frame (34) which is mounted on the chassis (10) so as to be able to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis (42) and is adjustable by means of the lifting device (48), the supports (58) each being connected to the pivoting frame (34) by a joint (62) having a joint axis (64) parallel to the pivot axis (42) and each being guided on a guide path (70), which is secured to the chassis, in each case set vertically apart from the joint (62) by means of a roller (68) having a roller axis (69) parallel to the pivot axis, in such a way that a line (70), which runs through the joint axis (64) and the roll

Abstract: This is a stacker cart useful to collect a paper stack in a paper-handling system. The stacker cart has movables so that it can be moved into and out of a housing in the system. At a top section of the stacker cart is a transfer plate that receives the paper stack after processing, finishing, or marking. This transfer plate and the stacker cart have on their lower surface movables that allow both easy moving of the slidable plate off the stacker cart and easy moving of the stacker cart from one location to another. The transfer plate has at least one hook that is connected to a rope or for moving the transfer plate to a second surface. The movables used in both the transfer plate and the stacker cart can be wheels, slides, or bearings.

Abstract: A post extending from a medical device facilitates transfer of the device between first and second support structures. Each of the first and second structures includes a mounting receptacle, configured to receive the post, fitting either tightly or loosely thereabout, depending on a position of the post along an axis of the receptacle. When the first receptacle holds the post and is moved in a first direction, the post may be moved into the second receptacle, which is then moved in a second direction, to tighten the second receptacle and loosen the first receptacle about the post. When the second receptacle holds the post, the first receptacle may be moved in the first direction, until the post enters the first receptacle, and, then, the second receptacle may be moved in a direction opposite to the second direction, to loosen the second receptacle and tighten the first receptacle about the post.

Abstract: A railing installation apparatus comprises a support platform adapted to be displaced alongside a road. An installation unit is connected to the support platform. The installation unit comprises a feed conveyor unit feeding rails to a carriage unit. The carriage unit is actuated to orient rails to an installation position against posts, and to twist a series of rails connected at one end to the posts to an overlapping position with rails in the feed conveyor unit for end-to-end attachment of the rails.

Abstract: A machine includes a frame having a payload portion, an operator cab, and a crane disposed on a base connected to the frame between the payload portion and the operator cab. The machine further includes a headboard assembly connected to the frame and disposed between the base and the payload portion. A stabilizing pin arrangement includes a floating connection arrangement connecting the headboard assembly to the frame.

Abstract: This is a stacker cart useful to collect a paper stack in a paper-handling system. The stacker cart has wheels so that it can be moved into and out of a housing in the system. At a top section of the stacker cart is a slidable plate that receives the paper stack after processing, finishing or marking. This slidable plate has on its lower surface sliders that allow easy moving of the slidable plate off the stacker cart. The slidable plate has at least one hook that is connected to a rope or other remover for moving the slidable plate to a second surface.

Abstract: A stack gripper has two pairs of support elements, which are arranged next to one another and are adjustably fastened to a transverse carrier. A drive is provided for an adjustment apparatus, with which the spacing between the two pairs can be changed without the lateral spacing of the support elements of a pair being changed.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described including a vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, a chassis, and a ground engagement device attached to the chassis for providing movement of the vehicle across ground; an engine constructed for propelling the vehicle; a loader assembly; a hydraulic system constructed for driving the loader assembly; and operator area including a cage for protecting an operator located within the operator area, and controls for controlling movement of the vehicle and for controlling operation of the loader assembly; and a forward tools area extending from the operator seating area to the front end of the vehicle. The material handling apparatus can include an entrance to the operator area through the rear end of the vehicle, a loader assembly that includes a tower that rotates relative to the chassis, and a dump box or work platform provided in the forward tools area. A method for operating a material handling apparatus is provided.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle for loading and unloading a rotary press with various types and widths of rolls of newsprint or other paper irrespective of their diameters. The vehicle has a traveling carriage for automatically transporting a newsprint between a storage area and the setting area in a rotary press machine. It includes a hoisting/lower unit which hoists and lowers the newsprint in the vertical direction into and away from registering with the paper holding arms of the rotary press machine. The hoisting/lowering unit includes two hoisting/lowering frames parallel to a traveling road surface, and the central axis between the fixed and movable paper holding arms of the rotary press paper. The frames are kept spaced apart by an arc-shaped connecting member.

Abstract: In a transport carriage for the patient-bearing surface of an operating table, comprising a chassis (10), two supports (58) which are arranged thereon and each have at their upper ends an interface (60) for connecting to a complementary interface on the patient-bearing surface, and a lifting device (48) for adjusting the height of the interfaces (60) relative to the chassis (10), the supports (58) are carried by a pivoting frame (34) which is mounted on the chassis (10) so as to be able to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis (42) and is adjustable by means of the lifting device (48), the supports (58) each being connected to the pivoting frame (34) by a joint (62) having a joint axis (64) parallel to the pivot axis (42) and each being guided on a guide path (70), which is secured to the chassis, in each case set vertically apart from the joint (62) by means of a roller (68) having a roller axis (69) parallel to the pivot axis, in such a way that a line (70), which runs through the joint axis (64) and the roll

Abstract: A trailer (10) or container (11) includes a frame (12) having a central axis (14) spaced between rear wheels. A plurality of storage supports (20) are supported on the trailer frame, with each storage support supporting a plurality of objects thereon. A carriage assembly (24) rotates the plurality of storage supports. A powered drive (110) rotates the carriage assembly. A powered restrictor (120) limits rotational movement of a respective carriage support during transit. Flexible members 142 and 144 interconnect the drive member and driven members each mounted with respect to a storage support. The container may be transported on a motorized vehicle. A preferred tire support mechanism is provided for use when transporting tires.

Abstract: This invention refers to a self-transported or towed equipment whose purpose is to collect, compact, and bag domestic, industrial and farming waste. The equipment is made up of a chassis (1) supporting a closed body (2) that is opened at both ends and has a back cover (4) to close the body and a moveable front compression plate (5). A clasping device of the accordion-like tube encircles the back part of the body (1). A bag sealing mechanism (3), operated by hydraulic cylinders (35, 36) and pliers (31) presses the loaded bag and squeezes it so as to place a sealing band manually. The lower part of the back cover (4) pivots on the chassis through a hydraulic cylinder (41) which is placed at the bottom of the chassis (1) and pulls cables (42) through grooved pulleys (43). The compression plate (5) is operated through a hydraulic system (6) made up of telescopic arms (61) propelled by independent hydraulics cylinders (62).

Abstract: A trailer that can be lowered to the floor or ground for loading, and after the trailer is loaded, it can be elevated to a height appropriate for transportation. Six elements are required for the trailer to operate: a chassis, two axles (torsion bars), four pivoting arms, four hubs with wheels, two hydraulic cylinders, and a manual operated hydraulic or electric pump.

Abstract: A tool carrier adapted to provide one or more benefits including, but not limited to, a less obstructed view of tool operation for an operator, improved maneuverability of tools, and the ability to more easily integrate various tool packages with a vehicle. Exemplary embodiments of a tool carrier may comprise one or more of the following features: 1) a tool carriage frame, which may be seen through; 2) a power system support frame; 3) a power supply and means for power transmission (e.g., a hydraulic power supply and means for hydraulic power transmission); 4) a wheel system (e.g., a front paired wheel system and a back paired wheel system); 5) means for controlling motion of a tool carrier; 6) a steering system (e.g., a hydraulically-actuated steering system that steers a front wheel pair simultaneously with and contrarily to a back wheel pair to enhance turning performance); 7) means for quick-disconnecting any connections (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for carrying a load (11), in particular for carrying a container, comprises a framework (12) supported on suitable wheels (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and supporting load pick up means (18), the latter being mobile between a lowered load pick up or release position and a lifted load carry position. The supporting framework comprises, in particular, a part (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) which is fixed to the wheels (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and a part (14) supporting the load pick up means (18) and mobile, relative to the fixed part (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), between at least a lowered position and a lifted position. (FIG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the movement of a stabilized safety device for cylindrically shaped objects to reduce the possibility of cylindrically shaped tanks toppling over and possibly shearing off the tank's valve assembly. The stabilization mechanism generally comprises a cylindrically shaped barrel, having a first open end and a second open end and which is fitted with a plurality of stabilization outriggers. Each of the plurality of outriggers extends from the exterior surface of the barrel, radially outward away from the barrel. The inner diameter of the barrel is sufficient to accept a pressurized cylinder or tank. The stabilization mechanism further comprises one or more fixtures for cooperating with and receiving a counterpart fixture on a cart. The fixtures are securely fastened to various components of the stabilization mechanism at locations thereon which are accessible to the cart.

Abstract: A pallet P of the present invention consists of a pallet main body 1, four mount sections 2 provided on the pallet main body 1, and a lower open space 5 provided below the pallet main body 1 and having open four sides. The pallet main body 1 has an abutment frame section 3 which can abut on an inner wall of a dry container A and other pallets P. According to this pallet P, if a predetermined number of pallets P are contained in the container A, the abutment frame sections 3 abut on the other pallets P, whereby a predetermined number of coiled carrying articles C which are loaded on the pallets P vertically are arranged in a zigzag fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for picking articles situated on retrieval pallets (38) in a pallet rack (52), characterized by a vehicle (10) capable of travelling along the picking front of the pallet rack (52) and having a first lifting device (14) with a height-adjustable picker-carrying device (26) for the picker (18) and having a second lifting device (16) with a height-adjustable pallet-carrying device (28) for an order pallet (20), wherein the picker-carrying device and the pallet-carrying device are positionable heightwise relative to the respective retrieval position independently of one another. The picker situated on the picker-carrying device may therefore be transported along the picking front by means of the vehicle. The two independently operating lifting devices of the vehicles make it possible to achieve the, in each case, ergonomically most advantageous retrieval height and delivery height for the picker-carrying device and the pallet-carrying device respectively.

Abstract: An arrangement for feeding sheets from a sheet store to either one of a plurality of stations includes a movable carriage which receives sheets fed from the store and which has driving cogwheels for coaction with a fixed cog railway outside the carriage.The fixed cog railway includes a path selection slide that includes cog segments that can fit into the cog railway. The selector slide can be switched to either one of two possible positions by means of a processor-controlled, motor-driven arm.

Abstract: A trailer (10) for handling and rotating poultry cages (14,16) loaded by an automatic poultry catching device (12). The trailer (10) includes two rotating platforms (20,22) mounted to a chassis (18) for rotational movement about a single vertical axis extending through the chassis (18) and a turntable assembly (24) for rotating the platforms (20,22). The turntable assembly (24) rotates the rotating platforms (20,22) independently of one another so that one platform can be positioned in a poultry-loading position for loading poultry in the cages supported thereon and the other platform can be positioned in a cage-loading and unloading position for unloading the filled cages and replacing the filled cages with empty cages.

Abstract: A stack turner and replenisher 10 is provided for keeping a hopper of a carton prefeeder P filled with carton blanks, traditionally a job that requires a human worker and causes carpal tunnel syndrome due to the inverting motion required. Stack turner 10 allows for the movement of a stack of blanks in a lateral direction as well as in an inverted u-shaped path. Clamp 53, with adjustable upper and lower plates 54,55, is used to pick up a stack of blanks from a source of such blanks. Clamp 53 then moves upwardly, laterally, and downwardly along groove 52, while an upper portion 50 of stack turner 10 simultaneously moves laterally toward prefeeder P. Clamp 53 then deposits the blanks in the hopper of prefeeder P. Finally, stack turner 10 retraces its path in order to pick up another stack of blanks and repeat the procedure, thus ensuring that the hopper of prefeeder P is always filled with carton blanks. Stack turner 10 also squares the stack of blanks both vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A device for transporting workpieces to be machined and worked having a base housing or frame which may be moved on wheels and a bed which holds workpieces. The bed is connected with the base frame via a scissors mechanism and can be raised by the scissors mechanism. The scissors mechanism comprises arm braces wherein one arm brace at one end is pivotally connected to the base housing and the other arm brace on one end is pivotally connected to the bed wherein the arm braces are connected to each other at approximately the center thereof via a shaft. The wheels are mounted on the shaft which connect the arm braces and the wheels are pushed out of the base housing as the bed is lowered. The arm braces on the other end opposite the pivotal connections have a free end comprising a sliding foot which slides on the housing floor. In the resting position, the sliding foot engages under a cross rod lying above the housing floor.

Abstract: An infusion supply apparatus is provided which can be connected with a stationary apparatus such as an overhead support (1) on the one hand, and with a patient transporter (3) on the other hand. In order to allow an easy and locking transfer from one such apparatus to the other the stationary apparatus (1), the patient transporter (3) and a mobile chassis (5) each have a coupling member (2, 4, 9) and a support for the medical appliances has a coupler system (13) cooperating with respective two such coupling members. The coupling system (13) comprises a locking apparatus (19, 20) which unlocks for selective release of an engagement if two coupling members engage the coupling system and which locks upon engagement of a single coupling member.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating discrete segments of cushioned web material for use as dunnage. The apparatus includes a mobile supply cart having at least one substantially horizontal support arm for receiving the hollow core of rolled web material. The apparatus also includes a separate driven rugation device with feed rollers for directing multiple plies of the web material in overlying, contacting relationship along a single path of travel. The separate cart and rugation device may be removably interconnected for lateral alignment. Driven interdigitized texturing rolls downstream of the feed rollers emboss a raised pattern on the web material, and a plurality of separating rollers downstream from the texturing rolls separate the plies of web material and direct them in divergent paths of travel. Combining rolls recombine the plies of textured web material such that the embossed areas of each ply do not directly overlie each other but are offset, creating void areas between the adjacent plies.

Abstract: A wagon for carrying a lifting cradle having a wagon chassis and at least one pivotable body mounted to pivot about an axis for pivoting and guides for receiving at least one lifting cradle. Components for locking the lifting cradle to the chassis include a shaft fixed to the chassis and disposed along the vertical axis for pivoting, two attachment arms disposed on either side of a longitudinal plane of symmetry and mounted on the shaft to pivot between an unlocking configuration and a locking configuration, the arms including noses projecting laterally each adapted, in the locking configuration, to engage between two substantially transverse sides of a housing provided on the side beams of the lifting cradle and, in the unlocked configuration, to be outside the housings. Elements to control and guide the movement of the arms and to block the arms in the locked configuration are attached to the arms.

Abstract: A load rotator assembly rotates and positions loads which are transferred between vehicles which move along aisles. The load rotator assembly includes a carriage which sequentially receives loads from one of the vehicles. A carriage drive assembly rotates the carriage about a vertical axis while maintaining the load on the carriage offset to one side of a vertical plane through the ends of loads at storage locations to eliminate any possibility of interference between the load and a stacker crane which transfers the load to one of the storage locations. The carriage drive assembly is operable to move the carriage toward the vertical plane. By positioning a load on the carriage with its end in the vertical plane, the stacker crane can pick up the load from the carriage and move the load to a storage location. The carriage drive assembly includes a double geneva drive mechanism having upper and lower geneva plates.

Abstract: A transport carriage for the operating table platform of an operatng table with a liftable operating table platform, with at least two transport rolls of the transport carriage being supported on their axes for slidable movement in the axial direction.

Abstract: A gooseneck truck trailer (13) including a hydraulic mechanism for longitudinally positioning a large cargo container (27) is disclosed. The hydraulic load positioning mechanism includes a horizontal bar (37) and a hydraulic actuator (65). The horizontal bar (37) is located near the rear of the trailer (13) and oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. The hydraulic actuator (65) lies along the longitudinal axis of the trailer (13). The hydraulic actuator (65) is oriented such that the outer end of the shaft (39) of the actuator (65) is attached to the bar (37) and the actuator housing is attached to the trailer (13), inwardly of the bar (37). The rear edge of a cargo container (27) to be transported by the trailer (13) is positioned atop, and attached to, the bar (37). The bar (37) and the forward end of the container (27) lie atop strips of low-friction material (63 and 73).

Abstract: The invention provides conveying apparatus consisting of a framework adapted to stand beside a vehicle and having a floor in substantial alignment with a battery support bed of the vehicle. Longitudinal track devices extend parallel to the floor on the framework and spaced from the floor to receive the battery between the floor and the track devices. A transport mechanism has drive devices coupled to the track devices for operation to move the transport mechanism longitudinally along the track devices and a coupling assembly is attached to the transport mechanism for movement with the transport mechanism and includes an upwardly biased connector adapted to releasably engage the battery so that on operation of the transport mechanism the battery may be loaded onto or unloaded from the floor.

Abstract: A towable truck with a rotatable platform for transferring cargo units from or to intermediate transportation devices, for handling goods in particular within airport structures. The platform comprises alternate projecting and re-entering parts which, when the truck is in its loading or unloading position, are disposed along the longitudinal sides of this latter and are suitably designed for approach and copenetration by intermediate transportation devices or the like comprising complementary terminal parts provided with motorized rollers, so as to allow automatic transfer of the cargo units.

Abstract: A guided vehicle, which follows a guidepath into and out from a work station, is provided with an article carrying table that includes a plurality of cone shaped mounting plates each disposed upon a ball transport unit to provide for relative movement between the article carrier, any article carried thereby, and the body of the vehicle. Each side, of two opposed sides, of the article carrier mounts a number of guide wheels; including entry guide wheels larger in diameter than side guide wheels, with the entry wheels disposed proximate carriers of the carrier and side wheels disposed therebetween. Guide rails disposed at the work station cooperate with the guide wheels to effect relative movement between the article carrier and vehicle body if the vehicle enters the work station out of a centered alignment therewith.

Abstract: A portable power-operated lift and presenting mechanism has a base that is placed on the floor of an automobile trunk. A carriage moves between an elevated position and a lowered, transport position when a scissors jack connecting the carriage to the base respectively expands vertically and contracts vertically, expanding horizontally. The scissors jack is selectively power-operated, by a reversible electrical motor, to expand and contract vertically. The carriage has drawer slide assemblies on which is mounted a platform capable of supporting a heavy and bulky article. The platform is movable by the drawer slide assemblies, when the carriage is in an elevated position, between a retracted position in which the platform is generally over the base and within the trunk, and a presenting position in which the platform extends out from over the base, generally out of the trunk.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) particularly adapted for use as an automated guided vehicle uses standard plastic tote boxes as a body shell (13) and as a battery carrier (20). The vehicle includes a drive wheel assembly (14) and a bogey assembly (16) which pivot about center pivot points and are steered by a single motor-driven steering assembly (18) which provides dual fifth wheel steering. Commonly-driven ball screw lift assemblies (122) engage the underside of nestable load-carrying tote boxes (22) for pickup and delivery functions. The weight of the load carrier(s) is transferred through the vehicle frame (12) to load transfer assemblies (76) on the drive and bogey assemblies.

Abstract: For use with a fork lift truck having a pair of vertically spaced apart forks which are raised or lowered in union, apparatus for exchanging a loaded or unloaded pallet with an unloaded or loaded pallet, respectively, by back and forth movement of the fork lift truck and by vertical movement of the forks. The apparatus comprises a pallet supporting member which is biased under the force of a spring so as to move to an extended pallet supporting position from a retracted position out of a path of pallets carried by the forks; a lever which is located at a position higher than said pallet supporting member; and a connecting member which is formed with elongated slots into which are fitted said lever and said pallet supporting member, said connecting member being raised by upward movement of an unloaded pallet engaging the lever to incline it upwardly, the connecting member retracting the pallet supporting member and latching it.

Abstract: A loading vehicle operated by electric battery power includes a chassis, a loading bucket mounted at the front end of the chassis. The chassis also carries an electric traction motor, a battery box and a battery lifting device pivotally mounted to the rear of the chassis and movable relative to the chassis by power. The battery box is supported by the chasis and is removable therefrom by power actuation of the battery lifting device. The battery lifting device has a lifting frame forming a part thereof which projects rearwardly from the chassis so as to provide a seat for the battery box, the lifting frame being pivotally movable relative to the chassis by application of the power to lift the battery box relative to the chassis. The battery box is then placed on a pallet and a fresh battery box is arranged on the battery lifting device and moved in place on the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of handling grown crystal ingots from a crystal-growing furnace, which apparatus and method include: lifting and moving an upper crystal chamber with the crystal supported therein to one side of the furnace; and gently lowering the crystal into a lower crystal chamber positioned beneath the upper crystal chamber and on a wheeled vehicle, which permits ease in removal and transport of hot heavy crystals with minimum damage or fracture.

Abstract: A shuttle rail assembly, capable of carrying a pair of pallets to which workpieces are fixtured, is mounted on a wheeled vehcile movable along a pair of tracks extending adjacent machine tools and set-up stations. The vehicle is positively driven by a DC motor and pinion, mounted on a adjustable eccentric, which meshes with a toothed rack secured to one of the pair of tracks. A vertical standard extending upward from the vehicle is slidable along power and control electrical buses contained within an enclosed overhead trolley. The shuttle rail assembly includes a pair of rails, extendable to either side of the vehicle by a hydraulic rail motor, mounted on a platform rotatable by a hydraulic index motor to 180.degree. positions when pallets are to be interchanged, and having a 90.degree. latched position during vehicle travel.