Means Serves To Align Wheeled Vehicle And Load Receiving Or Relinquishing Structure Patents (Class 414/401)
  • Publication number: 20020037209
    Abstract: A wheel chocking device having a wheel chock that can be raised from a retracted position to a raised position. In the retracted position, the wheel chock is substantially flat, thereby allowing a truck to be driven over the wheel chock. In the raised position, the wheel chock can be engaged with the wheel of a truck to prevent the truck from driving away from a loading dock. As the chock is moved from the distal position, the chock can raise from a lowered position to an intermediate position. The chock is then moved toward the vehicle wheel. Upon contact with the wheel, the chock will raise from the intermediate position to the fully raised position. In another embodiment, the chock can be inserted laterally from the side of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: KELLEY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Martin P. Hageman, Thomas J. Palus, Charles H. Hodges, Jack L. Sherard
  • Patent number: 6357987
    Abstract: A wheel-chocking device including a base member and a collapsible chock movable between lowered and raised positions. The chock includes a chocking member movable relative to the base member, and support members pivotably attached to the chocking member and defining therewith pivot axes, the pivot axes and the chocking member being movable between a substantially horizontal orientation and an inclined orientation. The chocking member and the support members are substantially coplanar when the chock is in the lowered position. The chocking member and the support members are inclined and the chocking member is substantially perpendicular to the support members when the chock is in the raised position. The base member has a longitudinal axis defining a vertical plane, and the pivot axes are substantially parallel to the vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Kelley Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Palus
  • Patent number: 6352400
    Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The vehicles are loaded from the ground by use of a movable ramp that is positioned next to a separate coupler end of the rail road car. The ramp has a locating guide, in the nature of a pair of tapered prongs, that locate in mating sockets in the end of the rail road car. The co-operation of the guides and sockets forces the ramp to align with the deck of the rail road car in a predetermined position, namely aligned centrally with the deck. The ramp has a telescoping, pivoting boom. The boom has a hitch that can be engaged by a towing vehicle, permitting the ramp to be moved into position as desired. The boom can then be collapsed and lowered out of the way of the path of the wheeled vehicles. The boom is counterweighted to facilitate manual operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: National Steel Car Limited
    Inventor: James W. Forbes
  • Patent number: 6336527
    Abstract: A wheel chock is provided with an upstanding handle to assist in moving the wheel chock into and out of operative engagement with a wheel. First and second photo sensor assemblies are mounted in the wheel chock and the handle, respectively, for sensing the presence of a wheel in close proximity to the wheel chock. A signal light assembly is mounted adjacent a loading dock and is operatively connected to the photo sensor assemblies for indicating whether or not a wheel chock is disposed is blocking relation to a wheel and to indicate when the wheel chock is not connected to source of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Donald Metz
  • Patent number: 6330766
    Abstract: A dwelling system having a housing for enclosing an oversized vehicle where the oversized vehicle is generally an oversized vehicle such as a large truck, a recreational vehicle or a mobile home, for example. In one embodiment, the housing uses oversized doors with mock doors and windows such that the oversized garage enclosure is externally concealed. In another embodiment, the garage includes components that are vertically actuable so as to accommodate ingress and egress of an oversized vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: John A. Brownlee, III
  • Patent number: 6329931
    Abstract: Loading bay dock control apparatus 28 includes a co-ordinator circuit 30 and activators 32 for each of the functions of the loading bay dock. Individual manual controls 38 can operate individual functions. In addition, a master control 40 operates to cause the co-ordinator 30 to instruct activators 32 to operate in accordance with a pre-arranged sequence in order to open or close the dock in a safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce Stanley Gunton
  • Patent number: 6322311
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint having a frame mounted to a dock face and a hook movable relative to the fixed member for engaging a portion of a vehicle and restraining movement of the vehicle away from the dock. The vehicle restraint has a linkage comprising a first arm pivotally connected to the frame, a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm and having a first end not fixed and movable with respect to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the hook, and a third arm coupling the first arm to the hook to maintain the hook in a generally vertical orientation. A sensor may be employed to determine engagement of the hook with a portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: United Dominion Ind., Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6322310
    Abstract: Two embodiments of a slope extension are disclosed herein for use with a vehicle restraint. In each embodiment, the vehicle restraint is adapted to releasably secure a parked trailer or other vehicle to an adjacent structure, such as a loading dock, and includes a carriage assembly which is adjustably mounted in proximity to the adjacent structure for movement relative to a roadway, and a restraining member which is operatively attached to the carriage assembly. In operation, each embodiment of the inventive slope extension interacts with the carriage assembly to avoid a “dead lock” condition wherein the carriage assembly is obstructed from moving downwardly toward the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Bender, Norbert Hahn, John A. Schiessl
  • Patent number: 6318947
    Abstract: A pulling-style restraint for a swap body container parked at a truck loading dock includes an elongated member having a base at one end and a restraining member at an opposite end. The base can be attached to the dock, while the restraining member is adapted to be connected to a leg or bottom fitting of the container. The elongated member can be a bar or an elongated pliable member such as a strap, chain, or cable. The elongated member can be tightened by a take-up device such as a reel, chain-binder, turnbuckle or combinations thereof. Additional features might include a light that indicates engagement, a twist-lock restraining member, and a firm landing pad on which the container legs may rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Hahn, Robert J. Harter, Reinhard E. Sander
  • Patent number: 6312208
    Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms or web coming from a folder and separator and moving to a conveyor. A table is positioned adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontally-extending stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially-horizontal position to a substantially-vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart. The cart can include a plurality of storage locations that can each be provided with a stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Roll Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: H. W. Crowley, John W. Clifford, Peter Bianchetto
  • Patent number: 6309165
    Abstract: A repositionable brace helps support the legs of a swap body freight container parked at a truck loading dock. The brace can move from a retracted position to an engaged position. In the engaged position, one end of the brace is at least partially fixed relative to the dock with an opposite end engaging at least one of the container's four legs. In the retracted position, the brace is positioned to where it is more out of the way when not in use, or positioned to align the brace to legs at other various locations. In some cases, the brace pivots between the locked and retracted positions manually, hydraulically, electro-mechanically or pneumatically. Also, a firm landing pad can be associated with the brace to provide a more consistent, level height at which the swap body is parked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Hahn, Robert J. Harter, Reinhard E. Sander, J. A. M. Van de Wiel
  • Publication number: 20010026751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for blocking a vehicle, comprising a guide track which is disposed along a driveway, a carriage which engages on the guide track and is displaceable therealong in guided manner and which is provided with transversely protruding wheel engaging means, which comprise at least wheel blocking means, and locking means for locking the carriage, wherein at a front end the guide track comprises a guide surface extending upward from close to the driveway and having connected thereto a guide surface which extends substantially parallel to the driveway, and a part of the carriage carrying the wheel blocking means is displaceable along the guide track, while substantially following both guide surfaces, between a forward position close to the driveway and a rear position at a distance above the driveway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jan Berends
  • Publication number: 20010009640
    Abstract: A device for restraining a truck from movement during the loading and unloading thereof while the truck is parked in a driveway in a loading dock. The truck restraining device has a lock assembly comprising a base and a locking arm pivotally mounted to the base for rotating between retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, the locking arm is substantially horizontal for permitting the truck to drive over the restraining means whereas, in the extended position, the locking arm extends upwardly for engaging the truck wheels for restraining movement of the truck. The locking arm has a front end adapted to pivotally mount to the base and a rear end adapted to engage the wheel in the extended position. Means is provided for rotating the locking arm between the retracted and the extended positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Applicant: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott L. Springer, Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 6250432
    Abstract: A method of securing a vehicle at a desired location using a wheel chocking device (30) having a chock (38) movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The method comprises the steps of positioning the vehicle at the desired location with the chock (38) in the lowered position, raising the chock to the raised position, moving the raised chock toward a wheel of the vehicle, sensing the presence of an obstruction on the vehicle, lowering the raised chock to an intermediate position to allow the chock to pass under the obstruction, and contacting the chock with the wheel. The wheel chocking device (30) includes a drive mechanism (40) that is positioned underneath the chock so that the vehicle actually drives over the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is simplified with the use of a drive screw (152) and a partial drive nut (148, 154) that facilitates the use of support members (156) for supporting the drive screw at spaced locations along the length of the drive screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Kelley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin P. Hageman, Thomas J. Palus, Charles H. Hodges, Jack L. Sherard
  • Publication number: 20010003926
    Abstract: In a device for controlling the drive of mechanisms operating separately from one another, the object is to minimize the operating effort and expense of driving alternatively operating mechanisms. Furthermore, it is ensured by the device that the mechanisms are only allowed to be put into operation if they are in a specific state and that this state is maintained throughout their operation. The device has power transmission capabilities different from one another for adjusting the control system to different states of the mechanisms. Arrangements provided for this purpose operate in different settings, determined by control signals, of which a first setting prevents a power transmission and further settings respectively permit power transmission to one of the mechanisms. The arrangement for power transmission is equipped with a signal-receiving device, with which a reception of the control signals dependent on the state of the mechanisms takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Applicant: Jenoptik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Gravell, John C. Pflueger
  • Patent number: 6238163
    Abstract: A device for restraining a truck from movement during the loading and unloading thereof while the truck is parked in a driveway in a loading dock. The truck restraining device has a lock assembly comprising a base and a locking arm pivotally mounted to the base for rotating between retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, the locking arm is substantially horizontal for permitting the truck to drive over the restraining device whereas, in the extended position, the locking arm extends upwardly for engaging the truck wheels for restraining movement of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Scott L. Springer, Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 6231292
    Abstract: An apparatus for unloading one or more reams of sheets, in particular of sheets of securities, from an exit of a machine which is part of an installation for the production of securities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: De La Rue Giori S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Wyssmüller, Daniel Baertschi
  • Patent number: 6230752
    Abstract: The shed formed by the warp threads in a loom is changeable by a shed drive that may either be an eccentric drive or a shaft drive. In order to rapidly exchange one shed drive (2) by another shed drive (3) these shed drives are mounted individually in a respective carriage (4). The carriage is constructed for docking in an exchange position next to the loom. An empty first carriage can take up a shed drive currently cooperating with the loom to remove the shed drive from the loom. A second carriage carrying another shed drive can then dock in the exchange position after the second carriage has been removed. The carriage is positionable either manually or automatically in response to distance signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Lindauer Dornier Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Peter D. Dornier, Valentin Krumm
  • Patent number: 6220809
    Abstract: Improved vehicle restraints, restraint components and specific improvements to certain existing restraints, including: 1) improvements to the design of the barrier portion or head of the restraining member intended to prevent or eliminate downward forces exerted on the restraining member by a departing ICC bar; and 2) providing a locking member for locking the restraining member of a restraint into a given vertical position for a pull away by the parked vehicle, the lock not impeding normal operation of the restraint, but only being activated during a pull away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 6205881
    Abstract: In a device for controlling the drive of mechanisms operating separately from one another, the object is to minimize the operating effort and expense of driving alternatively operating mechanisms. Furthermore, it is ensured by the device that the mechanisms are only allowed to be put into operation if they are in a specific state and that this state is maintained throughout their operation. The device has power transmission capabilities different from one another for adjusting the control system to different states of the mechanisms. Arrangements provided for this purpose operate in different settings, determined by control signals, of which a first setting prevents a power transmission and further settings respectively permit power transmission to one of the mechanisms. The arrangement for power transmission is equipped with a signal-receiving device, with which a reception of the control signals dependent on the state of the mechanisms takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Brooks Automation GmbH
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Gravell, John C. Pflueger
  • Patent number: 6190109
    Abstract: A restraining member for use with a vehicle restraint for releasably securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure is disclosed. The restraining member is pivotally mountable to the vehicle restraint, and is shiftable between a retracted position in which the restraining member is disposed within the recess, and an extended position in which the restraining member is positioned to engage the ICC bar of a parked vehicle. The restraining member comprises a base pivotally mounted to the carriage, a crown, and an offset shank interconnecting the base and the crown. The crown, the shank, and the base each have inner edges, which cooperate to define an open, substantially tetragonally shaped, area sized to receive the ICC bar. The crown and the shank define an engagement portion which is adapted to receive and engage a wide variety of ICC bar sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Company
    Inventor: Brian D. Bender
  • Patent number: 6190108
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint employs a 4 bar linkage to lift a restraining member to a position that engages a vehicle thus restraining it at a loading dock. The linkage is upwardly biased to hold the unit in an engaging position and may be retracted by using any of a number of mechanical techniques such as hydraulic electric or pneumatic power. The 4 bar linkage transfers all loading on the unit from the ICC to the frame thus isolating any driven members from overloads. A secondary hook mounted to the 4 bar linkage is pivotally spring loaded to limit vehicle travel away from the dock and to extend the capture range of the device in the case of ICC's bars that are damaged or mounted at non-standard positions at the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: The Serco Corporation
    Inventor: James C Alexander
  • Patent number: 6186738
    Abstract: A system for loading and unloading a machine tool provides a loading unit having a loading unit chassis. Two fixing devices each have a fixing piece disposed on the machine tool and having a receiving section, and a mating piece mounted on the loading unit chassis and having a configuration for engagement with the receiving section. The fixing devices are disposed vertically displaced from one another permitting simultaneous engagement. A bearing structure has rollers and supports the loading unit chassis on a surface. The bearing structure is vertically displaceable relative to the loading unit chassis to permit lifting and lowering of the loading unit chassis for engagement and disengagement of the first and second fixing devices. In an embodiment the receiving sections are slots arranged in a bottom of each of the fixing pieces and the configuration of the mating pieces is an upwardly directed engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Erwin Junker Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Junker
  • Patent number: 6179541
    Abstract: This transfer device is to be supported by the tines of a forklift and supports a load such as a lumber pack to be transferred to a rack cell which have an anchor bar at its opening. The device comprises an underframe having tine receivers, and a mainframe which is movable with respect to the underframe towards the cell opening and which has hooks to hook onto said anchor bar. Said mainframe has rollers on which the load is supported. The system is motorized; first, the load remains centered with respect to the underframe when the mainframe is first shifted laterally of the forklift to hook onto the anchor upper bar of a selected rack cell because the frame rollers rotate in a direction opposite to the shifting direction; then the mainframe rollers rotate in the opposite direction to transfer the load into the rack cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Sylvain Rioux, Thierry Benayoun
  • Patent number: 6164893
    Abstract: A self-contained and automatic chock for immobilizing vehicles, particularly trucks in front of a loading dock, comprises a casing (18), a chock body (12) articulated (at 14) so as to pivot relative to this casing between a first retracted position and a second projecting position and a unit (16) for moving and locking the chock body between the first and second positions, arranged to coact with the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Glomot Penot Systeme
    Inventors: Gilles Glomot, Etienne Penot
  • Patent number: 6162005
    Abstract: A loading dock and vehicle restraint assembly for securing a vehicle during loading operations. The vehicle restraint comprises a latching member (e.g., a hook) movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and an electromechanical brake coupled to the latching member and movable between a restraining position, where the latching member is restrained from movement, and an unrestraining position, where the latching member can be moved. Preferably, the brake is mechanically biased toward the restraining position (e.g., by a spring), and is moved to the unrestrained position by an electromagnet. The assembly can be used to perform a method of restraining a vehicle at a desired location using a vehicle restraint having a latching member and a brake coupled to the latching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Kelley Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ben Fritz
  • Patent number: 6149370
    Abstract: An automated latching and release system is adapted for use with carts of the type configured for materials handling and a vehicle such as a semi-truck trailer used to transport such carts. A latching mechanism includes a latch member which physically engages with a cart so as to retain the cart in a transport position, and one or more switches physically remote from the latching mechanism, enabling an operator to release a cart without having to manipulate the latch member directly. The latching mechanism is preferably located within the forward section of the transport vehicle to make a coupling engagement with the forwardmost cart of a joined train of carts. With at least one of the switches positioned proximate to the rearward section of the transport vehicle, a user may disengage the set of carts from the latching mechanism and remove the set of carts through the rearward section of the vehicle without having to visit the forward section of the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Renato DiBartolomeo
  • Patent number: 6139242
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint for preventing movement of a vehicle from a parked position has a frame mountable at a loading dock to position a vehicle restraint mechanism operably coupled to the frame. The vehicle restraint mechanism has a restraining member with at least one hook movable between a lower inoperative position where said restraining member is out of contact with a vehicle to be restrained and an upper operative position where the restraining member contacts said vehicle and prevents movement from a parked position. A source of power, such as an actuator moves the restraining member upward to the operative position by having linkage coupling the source of power to the restraining member. A resilient member is coupled to the linkage and biases the restraining member into engagement with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: United Dominion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6123496
    Abstract: A system for restraining a vehicle, such as a truck having a pair of separated tires mounted on an axle, positioned at a loading dock. A member is movable from a stored position near or under the loading dock to an operative position under the vehicle and located between said separated tires. A pair of restraining elements are mounted on the movable member and are movable from a stored position between the tires to an outward extended position where each of the restraining elements engage a respective one of said pair tires. A mechanism, such as an hydraulic system, is mounted to said member at one end and to a fixed point at the other to move the member to a position under the vehicle. The pair of restraining elements is moved to the outward extended position by action of the moving mechanism for the member or by movement of a sensor that contacts a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: United Dominion Ind., Inc.
    Inventor: James C Alexander
  • Patent number: 6116839
    Abstract: Two embodiments of a slope extension are disclosed herein for use with a vehicle restraint. In each embodiment, the vehicle restraint is adapted to releasably secure a parked trailer or other vehicle to an adjacent structure, such as a loading dock, and includes a carriage assembly which is adjustably mounted in proximity to the adjacent structure for movement relative to a roadway, and a restraining member which is operatively attached to the carriage assembly. In operation, each embodiment of the inventive slope extension interacts with the carriage assembly to avoid a "dead lock" condition wherein the carriage assembly is obstructed from moving downwardly toward the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Bender, Norbert Hahn, John A. Schiessl
  • Patent number: 6113337
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint adapted to be used at a loading dock to restrain a vehicle during loading and unloading operations. The restraint includes a carriage adapted to be mounted to the loading dock, and a restraining member (e.g., a hook) connected to the carriage. The carriage is movable relative to the loading dock between an inoperative position and an operative position that is typically higher than the inoperative position, and is biased towards the operative position when in the operative position. The restraining member is movable relative to the carriage between a restraining position and a nonrestraining position. The restraining member is capable of restraining an ICC bar when in the restraining position, and is biased toward the restraining position independent of the bias of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Kelley Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas H. Massey
  • Patent number: 6106212
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint for a truck loading dock includes an actuator that rides up with a carriage to sense that a truck's ICC bar is within a predetermined region before fully extending a restraining member to engage the bar. The carriage and restraining member are raised and lowered by a drive unit, such as a cable extending from a winch. The winch may be attached directly to the carriage, or optionally remotely mounted to the dock. One end of the cable connects to a spring that compensates for incidental vertical movement of the ICC bar caused by the truck being loaded or unloaded. Large downward movement of the ICC bar is accommodated by a clutch associated with the winch. For large upward movement, the winch automatically restarts to pull the carriage up to meet the new height of the bar. An optional ICC bar deflector mounted at the base of the dock, along side the carriage, wedges underneath an exceptionally low ICC bar as the truck backs into the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 6099241
    Abstract: To cope with recent LCD or PDP of larger size, an efficient transfer technology is demanded in manufacturing a larger substrate. It calls for a transfer method for such larger substrate with a less required space, and a substrate transfer cassette enabling such method. A technology is disclosed, which comprises a substrate transfer cassette (50) containing a plurality of substrates, a dolly (55) for loading the substrate transfer cassette (50), and a plurality of cassette holders (70) having a rotating arm (71) which can rotate in the vertical direction, wherein a substrate cassette (50) is transferred from a position near another cassette holder to a position near a destination cassette holder with the dolly (55), raised by the rotating arm (71) on the destination cassette holder (70) from the lower section to the upper section of the dolly (55), and moved from the dolly (55) to the cassette holder (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isamu Inoue, Koichi Kotera, Osamu Matsunaga, Kiyohiko Kitagawa, Takayuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6092970
    Abstract: Manually positioned wheel chocking apparatus are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the chocking apparatus includes a track secured adjacent a parking area; a movable chock; and fixing apparatus for temporarily fixing the chock to the track to substantially prevent the chock from moving. The movable chock has a surface which can be selectively positioned within the parking space at a location for engaging a tire of a vehicle. It also includes an extension for operatively engaging the track. The fixing apparatus may optionally comprise a pin sized to mate with a bore in a track or a frictional lock, preferably constructed as an over-center toggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Hahn, Scott L. Springer
  • Patent number: 6089812
    Abstract: A system for loading and unloading a machine tool provides a loading unit having a loading unit chassis. Two fixing devices each have a fixing piece disposed on the machine tool and having a receiving section, and a mating piece mounted on the loading unit chassis and having a configuration for engagement with the receiving section. The fixing devices are disposed vertically displaced from one another permitting simultaneous engagement. A bearing structure has rollers and supports the loading unit chassis on a surface. The bearing structure is vertically displaceable relative to the loading unit chassis to permit lifting and lowering of the loading unit chassis for engagement and disengagement of the first and second fixing devices. In an embodiment the receiving sections are slots arranged in a bottom of each of the fixing pieces and the configuration of the mating pieces is an upwardly directed engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Erwin Junker Maschninenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Junker
  • Patent number: 6082953
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting valuables is provided which comprises at least a vehicle (2) provided with a loading space (3) with containers (4) for valuables (5) which may be received therein, removed therefrom, respectively. The apparatus also includes a loading arrangement for loading the containers (4) in the loading space (3), removing them therefrom, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Billy F. Darley
  • Patent number: 6082952
    Abstract: An automatic vehicle chock has a chock and a locking mechanism movable on a rail from a retracted position to a position where the chock is extended and held in position by the locking mechanism. A sensor moves with the chock to determine the position of the wheel to be chocked and extend the chock. The position of the sensor relative to the chock can be adjusted. The device also employs mechanical assemblies carried by the carriage assembly to retract the chock without the use of a brake. In one embodiment a cam is used to reverse the direction of the chock arm retaining spring after the chock has been engaged. In a second embodiment the chock is continuously biased to the stored position and a latch is used to hold the chock outward until it is locaked in posiion. The latch is then released and the bias to the stored position is restored so that the chock will retract when the lock is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: United Dominion Ind., Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6074157
    Abstract: Improved vehicle restraints, restraint components and specific improvements to certain existing restraints, including: 1) improvements to the design of the barrier portion or head of the restraining member intended to prevent or eliminate downward forces exerted on the restraining member by a departing ICC bar; and 2) providing a locking member for locking the restraining member of a restraint into a given vertical position for a pull away by the parked vehicle, the lock not impeding normal operation of the restraint, but only being activated during a pull away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 6065923
    Abstract: A dock (D) is provided with a reciprocating slat conveyor (12). A trailer (T) is provided with a reciprocating slat conveyor (10). The dock (D) includes a dock end (100) that includes mechanism for aligning the trailer conveyor (10) with the dock conveyor (12). This mechanism includes a guide rail 108 that is secured to a vehicle supporting apron (106) and is positioned to fit between the wheels (W) on one side of the rear of the trailer, for guiding the wheels towards the dock (D). The dock end (100) includes lifting rods (18, 20) which include lifting cams (22, 24). The cams (22, 24) are initially positioned below rear corner portions (14, 16) of the trailer (T). The lifter rods (18, 20) are then rotated to move the lifting cams (22, 24) up into a lifting position against the corner portions (14, 16). The lifter rods (18, 20) and cams (22, 24) are rotated to effect a vertical adjustment in position of the trailer conveyor (10) relative to the dock conveyor (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Raymond Keith Foster
  • Patent number: 6062796
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint having a fixed member such as a frame mounted to a dock face and a hook movable relative to the fixed member for engaging a portion of a vehicle and restraining movement of the vehicle away from the dock. A non-contact sensor is employed to determine engagement of the hook with a portion of the vehicle. The sensor is positioned to provide an effective magnetic field in the zone of contact so that engagement with an ICC bar on the vehicle can be ascertained. The sensor may also be a sensor bar pivotally movable respect to a vertical restraining member. The sensor bar houses a sensor that determines relative movement between itself and a target to provide a signal indicative of engagement when the sensor bar is depressed by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: United Dominion Ind., Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6058664
    Abstract: A dwelling system having a housing which lacks plumbing. The housing is elevated so as to accept a portable unit below the housing. The housing uses a mating structure to provide bi-directional access through the roof of the portable unit that plumbing is provided by the portable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: John A. Brownlee, III
  • Patent number: 6056496
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a cart loading machine that provides for improved operating efficiencies, and includes a cart loading station, an infeed conveyor, a pattern forming area, a carrier sheet and wiping mechanism, and a fork loading apparatus. The cart loading station includes a framework defining a cart loading position and a cart waiting position. With the carrier in its extended position having carried a fully formed pattern to the cart loading position, a wiping mechanism is extended from beneath the carrier plate to contact the bundles as they sit on the carrier so that when the carrier moves back to its retracted position, the bundles are blocked and stripped therefrom. The wiping mechanism is then retracted below the carrier to permit the loading of a subsequent pattern of bundles thereon. This wiping mechanism eliminates the need for an overhanging blocking mechanism thereby permitting more efficient loader design and easier access to the pattern forming and bundle stripping areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Cannon Equipment Company
    Inventors: Hugh I. Myers, Mark H. Sickman, William C. Tigner, Mark R. Rosa
  • Patent number: 6036424
    Abstract: A cart for unloading and transporting chain is provided. The cart includes a frame with a number of tracks of a predetermined configuration which are superimposed over one another. Long segments of chain are routed from an oven onto a transfer rail assembly which, in turn, routes the segment of chain to a given track mounted in the cart. Subsequent segments are similarly routed to other tracks in the cart after the cart is elevated to register the empty track to be loaded with the corresponding transfer rail. As a result, the unloading and transporting chain for rebuild and repair is significantly simplified while reducing the overall time and burden associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Santangelo, Trung D. Nguyen, John H Klose
  • Patent number: 6033175
    Abstract: A device that aligns and couples a movable object to a destination includes fixed and movable coupling elements that interengage with one another. The fixed coupling elements are provided in a fixed location at the destination and the movable coupling elements are provided on the movable object. The fixed coupling elements include a guiding device and a mechanism that fixes an ultimate coupling position of the object. The fixing mechanism is included in the guiding device. The guiding device allows movement of the object in a first direction so that it can reach the ultimate coupling position, which is determined by the fixing mechanism. The guiding device further blocks movement of the object in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The movable coupling elements are separated into first elements that engage in the guiding device and second elements that engage with the fixing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Jenoptik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: John C. Pflueger, Lawrence R. Gravell
  • Patent number: 6033174
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint having a fixed member such as a frame mounted to a dock face and a hook movable relative to the fixed member for engaging a portion of a vehicle and restraining movement of the vehicle away from the dock. A non-contact sensor is employed to determine engagement of the hook with a portion of the vehicle. The sensor is positioned to provide an effective magnetic field in the zone of contact so that engagement with an ICC bar on the vehicle can be ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: United Dominion Ind., Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6027298
    Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms or web coming from a folder and separator and moving to a conveyor. A table is positioned adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontally-extending stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially-horizontal position to a substantially-vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart. The cart can include a plurality of storage locations that can each be provided with a stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Roll Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: H. W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6027303
    Abstract: A lift truck, especially for lifting boats, includes a self-propelled main frame having a pair of parallel rails extending in a fore-and-aft direction. The main frame is supported by front drive wheels and rear castor wheels. A mast is movable forwardly and rearwardly on the rails and carries a lift assembly that can pivot about a transverse axis. The lift assembly includes a pair of lift arms each having vertical and horizontal portions. The vertical portions are mounted to swing about respective fore-and-aft axes, and are horizontally movable toward and away from one another for increasing or decreasing the distance between those axes. The main frame does not carry a counterbalance weight, but rather has a latch which grips a ground-mounted anchor for anchoring the rear end of the main frame during vertical movement of the lift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald C. Voegeli
  • Patent number: 6010297
    Abstract: Improved vehicle restraints, restraint components and specific improvements to certain existing restraints, including: 1) improvements to the design of the barrier portion or head of the restraining member intended to prevent or eliminate downward forces exerted on the restraining member by a departing ICC bar; and 2) providing a locking member for locking the restraining member of a restraint into a given vertical position for a pull away by the parked vehicle, the lock not impeding normal operation of the restraint, but only being activated during a pull away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Hahn, Mark G. Petri, Scott L. Springer
  • Patent number: 6000445
    Abstract: An apparatus for the loading of flour at a mill having at least one filling nozzle, which communicates by way of at least one substantially stationary storage container, a silo or a hopper, and is so constructed that it can be coupled to several input openings of a vehicle to be loaded. In order to connect the filling nozzles to the various input openings of the vehicle to be loaded in succession (or simultaneously), the weighing assembly, which measures the weight of the vehicle together with its load, is constructed so that it incorporates a transport means, in such a way that by moving the vehicle its input openings can be connected in sequence to the filling nozzle for rapid loading of flour in a simple manner. The flour, in particular in a fluidized state, can be conducted though vertical chutes, increasing the control over the amounts loaded into the vehicle and decreasing the possibility of contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Matthias Schuh
  • Patent number: RE37570
    Abstract: A wheel-activated vehicle restraint system including a support structure disposed beside the path of the vehicle approaching the dock, and including a guide member extending away from the dock face, and an elevated supporting member. A trigger assembly is operatively connected to the guide member, and initially engages the wheel of the vehicle as it rolls toward the dock. A locking arm operatively engages the supporting member to move from a stored position to a chocking position on the wheel as the wheel engages the trigger and moves it toward the dock. A trolley assembly operatively connects the trigger assembly and the locking arm, the trolley assembly and the locking arm being connected at a connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Scott L. Springer, Norbert Hahn, Hans Van De Wiel, Marcel Boon, Frank De Beer