Abstract: A loading dock having a truck leveler for allowing the truck to be positioned at different heights. The loading dock includes a dock surface, a driveway extending from the dock surface and positioned at a level below the dock surface, and a ramp movably interconnected with the driveway. The driveway defines a tire path along which a truck tire will travel when a truck is backed toward the dock surface. The ramp is movable from an active position aligned with the tire path to an inactive position out of the tire path. The ramp can be pivotally interconnected with the driveway. Alternatively, the ramp can be linearly slidably interconnected with the driveway. In either embodiment, a power actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) can be operatively connected with the ramp and positioned to pivot the ramp between the active and inactive positions.

Abstract: Vehicle restraint including a support mounted adjacent a loading structure. A carriage is supported from the support and has a generally horizontal portion extending over the roadway, the horizontal portion being operatively engageable with the vehicle bar over a vertical range. A vertically elongate barrier is supported from the carriage and is disposed remotely from the upright loading structure, the barrier being mounted for generally vertical movement with respect to the carriage between an inoperative vehicle-released position wherein the barrier is disclosed below the horizontal portion, and an inoperative vehicle restraining position, wherein the barrier extends vertically a fixed distance above the horizontal portion to define a vehicle bar capture distance along the horizontal portion.

Abstract: Racks (20) supported on a transfer cart (38) in a decontamination area (18) are loaded with contaminated articles. The carts are wheeled to a washer (14) into which the racks of contaminated articles are placed for washing. After washing, the racks are removed from the washer in a preparation and packing or clean room (12) and unloaded. The empty racks are moved through a rack return (28) back to the decontamination area. The rack return includes a rack supporting surface (32) on which glide strips (42) are mounted for sliding the racks from the clean room to the decontamination area. Guide strips (44) guide the racks to a pair of vertically pivoted polycarbonate doors (34) which the racks push open by engaging bumpers (58). After the rack has passed through the doors, a self-closure mechanism (60) closes the doors automatically. The rack return assembly includes stops (76, 78) on both sides for aligning a rack carrying cart of any of a plurality of sizes accurately with the rack return assembly.

Abstract: A chocking device for securing a vehicle at a loading dock having a guide rail mountable to a driveway and a carriage movable on the guide rail. A drive mechanism, which may be hydraulic or electric is employed to advance the carriage from a stored position to a position proximate to a wheel of the vehicle. A chock assembly is pivotedly mounted on the carriage and is movable by the drive mechanism from a retracted position to an engaging position. The chock assembly comprises an arm having a sensor bar to contact one portion the wheel and a chock plate movable in response to contact of the sensor against the wheel to contact another portion of the wheel and block movement of the vehicle. A lock assembly is mounted on the guide rail for movement thereon, and is moved by the drive mechanism into contact with the chock plate to restrain the chock plate in the extended position.

Abstract: A loading dock having a dock face, a driveway positioned adjacent to the dock face, a wheel chock positioned above the driveway for movement relative to the driveway, and a power mechanism interconnected with the chock to provide power to the chock. The power mechanism is at least partially recessed within the driveway. Preferably, the power mechanism is spaced from the dock face so that vehicles having lift gates can be serviced under a variety of conditions. The power mechanism can be positioned within a housing that is also spaced from the dock face. The housing can include a ramped portion facing the dock face so that contact with the housing by a lift gate will be deflected.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electrically powered vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by placing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by the receiving station, where the batteries are tested both electrically and by comparing battery status data against predetermined criteria. Batteries which fail the battery test are automatically removed from the conveyor loop by a elevator assembly. Batteries are automatically charged as they pass through the conveyor loop in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles.

Abstract: A device for blocking wheels of a vehicle, including elongate guide means, a wheel block carrier guided slidably in a lengthwise direction of the guide means and including a wheel block guided for movement transverse relative to the lengthwise direction, and control and drive means for moving the wheel block carrier relative to the guide means and for moving the wheel block relative to the wheel block carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint is provided for releasably securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure. The vehicle restraint includes a carriage assembly which is adjustably vertically mounted to the adjacent structure and a restraining member which is pivotably attached to the carriage assembly for rotational movement between a stored (or vehicle-release) position, wherein the restraining member is enclosed within the carriage assembly, and an operative (or vehicle-locking) position, wherein a portion of the restraining member projects outwardly and upwardly from the carriage assembly. The vehicle restraint also includes a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the restraining member into the stored position when an external force or torque, in a direction toward the stored position, is exerted on the distal end of the restraining member.

Abstract: Microparticulate carrier materials for a large and varied group of pharmaceutical and cosmetic agents are disclosed. Microdispersions of such carrier materials charged with at least one isomer or derivative of 2-amino-1-phenylpropanol are also described. The microdispersions can be formulated for oral, parenteral, topical, inhalation and suppository administration. The formulations have varied uses depending on the pharmaceutical and or cosmetic agent utilized. The microparticles are suitably charged particles of silica, alumina, boron, charcoal and the like and have a particle size of about 3 to about 250 .mu.m. The pharmaceutical and cosmetic active materials complex with the microparticles. The liquid carrier for the microparticles include water, propylene glycol, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and propanols, and dimethyl sulfoxide.

Abstract: A manual pallet exchange system for exchanging a pallet on a work table of a horizontal machining center with another pallet from a storage rack or an optional set-up station. The system comprises a pallet shuttle cart which travels along a guideway that is positioned adjacent to the storage rack, the set-up station and the horizontal machining center. Receiving devices are provided on the horizontal machining center, the shuttle cart, the set-up station and each pallet storage location on the storage rack for receiving and supporting the pallet. A mechanically activated locking device provides for safely securing the pallet to the receiving devices of the storage rack, the set-up station and the shuttle cart.

Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying devices (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying device (18) and conveying devices (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: A cart includes at least one bed of rollers for receiving, supporting and discharging a workpiece such as a burn-in board for semiconductor component testing. The cart includes a locking mechanism which does not need manipulation by an operator to positively lock the workpiece in place once put on the roller bed. Positive manipulation of the locking mechanism is then required for workpiece discharge and maximum operator safety.

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.

Abstract: A loading dock having a truck leveler for allowing the truck to be positioned at different heights. The loading dock includes a dock surface, a driveway extending from the dock surface and positioned at a level below the dock surface, and a ramp movably interconnected with the driveway. The driveway defines a tire path along which a truck tire will travel when a truck is backed toward the dock surface. The ramp is movable from an active position aligned with the tire path to an inactive position out of the tire path. The ramp can be pivotally interconnected with the driveway. Alternatively, the ramp can be linearly slidably interconnected with the driveway. In either embodiment, a power actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) can be operatively connected with the ramp and positioned to pivot the ramp between the active and inactive positions.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for emptying a load of multilayer container columns is disclosed. A carriage is aligned in an unloading position relative to a container. The carriage includes a mechanism for opening a gate of the container, a mechanism for extending a container floor out of the container, and a mechanism for urging contents of the container carried by the floor off the floor and onto an unloading receptor when the floor is extended from the container.

Abstract: A chocking device for securing a vehicle at a loading dock having a guide rail mountable to a driveway and a carriage movable on the guide rail. A drive mechanism, which may be hydraulic or electric is employed to advance said carriage from a stored position to a position proximate to a wheel of the vehicle. A chock assembly is pivotedly mounted on the carriage and is movable by the drive mechanism from a retracted position to an engaging position. In one embodiment the chock assembly comprises an arm having a sensor bar to contact one portion of the wheel and a chock plate movable in response to contact of the sensor bar against the wheel to contact another portion of the wheel and block movement of the vehicle. A lock assembly is mounted on the guide rail for movement thereon, and is moved by the drive mechanism into contact with the chock plate to restrain the chock plate in the extended position.

Abstract: Vehicle restraint including a support mounted adjacent a loading structure. A carriage is supported from the support and has a generally horizontal portion extending over the roadway, the horizontal portion being operatively engageable with the vehicle bar over a vertical range. A vertically elongate barrier is supported from the carriage and is disposed remotely from the upright loading structure, the barrier being mounted for generally vertical movement with respect to the carriage between an inoperative vehicle-released position wherein the barrier is disclosed below the horizontal portion, and an inoperative vehicle restraining position, wherein the barrier extends vertically a fixed distance above the horizontal portion to define a vehicle bar capture distance along the horizontal portion.

Abstract: A printing plate stand and an apparatus for positioning the printing plate stand are provided. The printing plate stand is movable and supplies printing plates to a printing plate transfer apparatus. The positioning apparatus includes, at a bottom surface of the printing plate stand, a pair of fixed wheels, movable only forward and backward, free wheels, movable in multi-directions, and leg portions which are located at vicinities of the free wheels and which can project downward further than the free wheels.

Abstract: A security device for a vehicle. The security device comprises a housing having first and second rods with the ends thereof extending from opposed sides of the housing. One end of the first rod fits over an axle of the vehicle and the corresponding end of the second rod extending under the axle and through an eyelet located in the first rod. Each of the rods is movable longitudinally and rotatably with respect to the housing. The opposed ends of the first and second rods are releasably anchorable. The security device is usable with a variety of vehicles, and is particular intended for use on car lots e.g. automobile dealerships.

Abstract: A truck for use in an auto tray changer capable of supplying and discharging a plurality of trays into and from the auto tray changer all at once, respectively, includes a loading portion having a bottom plate, in which the trays for loading working pieces or worked pieces are stacked, each corner of the bottom plate being provided with a wheel, respectively, which is capable of freely rotating, a pair of rail portions for transporting the trays stacked thereon back and forth on the bottom plate, a pair of stopper means mounted at front of each of the rail potions for selectively transporting the tray stacked at the bottom of the stack on the bottom plate, and a handle portion mounted at back of the loading portion.

Abstract: A mechanical track restraint that can be mounted to a loading dock without any modification whatsoever to the loading dock or to the concrete pad that is poured in front of the loading dock on which a truck sits during the loading process. The mechanical track restraint can be bolted onto the dock, can be removed and replaced with another device, moved to another location easily and quickly, and can be installed and/or repaired quickly. The device includes a base having a pipe and angle irons welded to the pipe to hold the pipe in place. Fitted within the pipe is a dowel and a spring that coils about the dowel. Fitted over the dowel and spring combination is a holding tube which telescopes within the pipe. The pipe has a slot cut in the front of it so that a hook which is hingedly connected to the holding tube can extend out from the pipe and travel in an up and down direction to raise and lower the hook. Sleeves are welded to the holding tube and the hook includes pivot arms extending into the sleeves.

Abstract: A system for loading and unloading a vehicle, including: a vehicle actuated wheel chock positioning device for at least one tire of such a vehicle which is rotatable on a treadway between an initial position and a plurality of operating positions, the chock positioning device including a mechanism engageable by such tire at the initial position and movable with the tire as it rolls on the treadway, a chock positionable behind the tire when the mechanism is in any of the operating positions in response to engagement of the mechanism by the rolling tire, and a controllable lock capable of selectively locking the chock in a chock position behind the tire corresponding to one of the operating positions, the system, in one preferred embodiment further including a leveling ramp carrying the chock positioning device with the ability vertically position the device and a vehicle chocked thereby to a selectable vertical position.

Abstract: An alignment system for use in aligning a first object with a second object, which system comprises a transmitter (6) for transmitting a directable signal, mounted on either the first object or the second object, a receiver (8, 9) for receiving the signal, mounted on the other of the first object or the second object and an indicator (12, 13) for indicating that a signal from the transmitter (6) has been received by the receiver (8, 9). Preferably, a single pair of transmitters (6) is mounted on a crane (7), a single pair of receivers (8) is mounted on a prime-mover (3) and a plurality of pairs of receivers (9) are mounted on a chassis (4) at intervals corresponding to positions midway along the lengths of each of a plurality of containers (2) supported by the chassis (4). Alignment of the transmitter (6) with the receiver (8) on the prime-mover (3) activates an indicator (12) for indicating that the movement of the prime-mover (3) is to be slowed.

Abstract: The object of a device for coupling loading and unloading devices with semiconductor machines is to couple devices required for the use of SMIF technology with semiconductor processing machines in which subsequent integration of SMIF technology is not possible, wherein the charging to be carried out after coupling is highly flexible and capable of managing increasing dimensions of semiconductor wafers. An adjustable receiving element for the loading and unloading device is provided inside a movable enclosure, this receiving element being displaceable between at least two planes situated one above the other, one plane serving for charging the loading and unloading device and every other plane being used for the charging of the semiconductor machine carried out by the loading and unloading device. The enclosure has aligning and holding elements for fastening to a coupling element which is aligned with the semiconductor processing machine.

Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying device (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying means (18) and conveying device (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template bracket integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein, the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.

Abstract: A shaft coupling mechanism having a concentric alignment pin and a pivoting cylinder with a latch pin that acts as a shaft end stop and coupling latch, when a second shaft is engaged. Pivoting latch pin enters a slot mounted on the secondary shaft locking the two shafts together. This device pertains to the quick release locking mechanism for securely fastening or joining two mechanically supported shafts so loads or pallets can be transferred from one shaft to the other. This device is of most value to load carrying devices (pallets) that incorporate the use of "open" linear bearings. A secondary application of this device is for the coupling of a mobile cart, also with linear shafts to a machine center for the removal and storage of palletized fixturing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spinning mill machine for the production of fiber sliver and for the deposit of the fiber sliver in spinning cans, with an automatic can replacement device to push out full cans from the machine. A can conveying carriage is centered at the spinning mill machine by means of a centering unit. The can conveying carriage is locked at the machine in order to hold the carriage in a receiving-ready position. A signal transmitter is provided to inform the machine by signal when the can conveying carriage is full. According to the invention the centering unit, the locking unit and the signal transmitter are installed in one single assembly in immediate proximity of the spinning machine.

Abstract: A wheel-actuated vehicle restraint device is provided for restraining at least one wheel of a vehicle during loading and unloading thereof. The vehicle restraint comprises a lock assembly comprising an actuation assembly for initially engaging the wheel of the incoming vehicle and a lock assembly for chocking the wheel in response to engagement between the wheel and the actuation assembly. The lock assembly is operatively connected to the actuation assembly at a connection point such that the connection point is selectively positionable in response to the dimensions and location of the wheel for insuring that the lock assembly engages a bottom portion of the wheel and moves along the peripheral surface of the wheel to a chock position. In one embodiment, the actuation assembly comprises a trigger assembly disposed to engage the wheel and a trolley assembly operatively connecting the lock assembly and trigger assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for transporting cargo, and adapted to receive and convey the cargo to and from a storage area. The device includes a cart having a frame and two rails mounted to a top of the frame. The rails are disposed in spaced apart, parallel relationship to each other and define a longitudinal direction. A table includes two rail channels disposed at a bottom side thereof. The rail channels are disposed in spaced apart, parallel relationship to each other for respectively receiving each of the two cart rails therein. The table further includes a plurality of rollers disposed in each of the rail channels. The rollers are rotatably disposed between the table and the cart rails for allowing relative movement between the table and the cart in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Linear actuation of a push rod from a transfer platform causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. A detent device on the transfer platform sealed in an airtight workstation permits remote actuation of the locking components in the chamber from a worksuit provided in the workstation. The locking function is automatically reset without any intervention by the user of the workstation.

Abstract: A system for loading and unloading a vehicle, including: a vehicle actuated wheel chock positioning device for at least one tire of such a vehicle which is rotatable on a treadway between an initial position and a plurality of operating positions, the chock positioning device including a mechanism engageable by such tire at the initial position and movable with the tire as it rolls on the treadway, a chock positionable behind the tire when the mechanism is in any of the operating positions in response to engagement of the mechanism by the rolling tire, and a controllable lock capable of selectively locking the chock in a chock position behind the tire corresponding to one of the operating positions, the system, in one preferred embodiment further including a leveling ramp carrying the chock positioning device with a device to vertically position the device and a vehicle chocked thereby to a selectable vertical position.

Abstract: The drive screw system comprises a drive screw and a drive nut adapted for driving a cooperating member such as a vehicle restraining device between the proximal and distal ends of the drive screw. At least one bearing assembly is mounted to a track for supporting the drive screw and automatically moving between the proximal and distal ends of the drive screw in response to the drive nut to automatically maintain a predetermined maximum unsupported length of the drive screw. Each bearing assembly comprises two bearing supports connected at a fixed length and which are coaxially disposed relative to each other. In one embodiment, the length of each bearing assembly are integral multiples of the smallest fixed connecting length and the drive screw has stationary bearing supports disposed at the proximal and distal ends wherein the distance between the stationary supports is (n+1)*L where n is the number of bearing assemblies and L is the length of the shortest bearing assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus used in a loading dock comprising a dock leveler mounted at the loading dock with a pit positioned below said dock leveler. A frame is mounted in the pit to support a vehicle restraint. The restraint has an arm assembly mounted to said frame for pivoting motion and a hook assembly having multiple hook elements mounted on the arm assembly and outward from the frame. A first actuator is mounted to the frame and engaging the arm assembly to drive both the arm assembly and the hook assembly to a lower inoperative position. A second actuator is mounted to the first actuator and the arm assembly to provide a constant upward bias tending to pivot the arm assembly and the hook assembly upward to an operative position.

Abstract: A vessel unheading device and method especially suited to handle shot coke produced in a delayed coker unit of a petroleum refining process. The device includes a car having mounted thereon one or more bottom head retracting support members which can be laterally positioned below the head assembly. The support member includes a vertically retractable member suitable for elevating a bearing plate mounted at an upper end thereof into pivotable load bearing engagement with the head, and a horizontally retractable member having one end attached to the bearing plate and another end attached to the vertically retractable member for applying a pivot force. Shot coke or other debris is captured from the opened vessel by a mobile chute wheeled into position adjacent the unheading car. Following complete retraction, the head is transported to a remote location for maintenance.

Abstract: A roll on roll off receptacle handling system, that can load and unload a receptacle, storing the receptacle and transporting the receptacle. The system includes a storage platform that the receptacle can be rolled on to and off from. The system also includes a transport device that the receptacle can be rolled on to or off from. The transport device can transport the receptacle to another location where it can be rolled off to another platform. The system also includes an overhead boom, mounted on the transport device, that functions to load and unload the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lift gate cargo cart made of strong, lightweight material, which includes a pallet structure designed to transport cargo that can be selectively attached to the hydraulic lift gate on a delivery truck. When attached to the lift gate, the lift gate cargo cart can be lifted to the level of the bed of the truck for loading and unloading cargo therefrom. The pallet structure includes a rigid frame with a plurality of wheel assemblies mounted on the bottom surface thereof which enables the cargo cart to be manually moved across a horizontal surface. Attached to the top surface of the rigid frame are two roller assemblies aligned in a parallel manner which enable cargo to be manually pushed or pulled over the cargo cart during use. Attached to the front surface of pallet structure is a connection bar which together with a plurality of bolts and washer plates, are used to engage the lift gate on a delivery truck.

Abstract: A dock leveler for providing a bridge into the rear end of a truck trailer over which a fork vehicle can travel in loading the truck trailer. The dock leveler includes a ramp with a rear section and an extendible forward section. The forward section telescopically extends from and retracts into the rear section under power from a hydraulic cylinder. The forward section can be locked in place to prevent retraction of said forward section relative to said rear section under the traction developed by the drive wheels of a fork vehicle as the fork vehicle travels over the dock leveler. Various structures for indicating the amount of overlap of the dock leveler on the truck trailer are also provided.

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 based 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.

Abstract: A signal and control system is provided in which signal lights are provided on the inside and outside of a dock facility to give dock personnel and truck drivers clearly visible indications of when it is safe or unsafe to load or unload a truck or to park to remove a truck, dependent upon the condition of switches on the inside which are accessible to dock personnel and to the condition of a locking device on the outside which is engageable with the safety bar of a truck. A slip clutch and a position sensor cooperate to control and avoid adverse effects of slippage in the locking device, a horn is energized to provide a loud audible warning of dangerous conditions, a key pad is used to enter a security code and other features are provide for increased safety and reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus stores battery packs for battery powered vehicles, and provides a fast and easy way to change a discharged battery pack for a fresh battery pack. The vehicle is backed up to the platform of the apparatus, and a bridge piece spans the gap between the platform and the vehicle. The operator then uses a pneumatic forklift to lift the battery pack in the vehicle on a cushion of air. This allows the operator to easily move the battery pack from the vehicle, across the bridge piece, and across the platform of the apparatus to a storage location. The operator can then use the pneumatic forklift to move a fresh battery pack from a different storage location to the vehicle.

Abstract: A docking assembly (200) for docking with a vehicle (108), the vehicle having a nonrigid docking member (70) having an apparatus for positioning (124, 126, 128, 130, 132) mounted thereon. The docking assembly has a frame (202) to which is mounted a positioning slot (222) having flared walls (224) for guiding therein and securing thereto the apparatus for positioning of the vehicle to thereby dock the vehicle to the docking assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a loading car to a sterilizer chamber having a frame defining an opening, the apparatus comprises a chamber track adapted for supporting the loading car and wherein the chamber track is positioned within the chamber; a carriage track adapted for supporting the loading car and wherein the carriage track is configured to extend parallel to and in axial alignment with the chamber track; connecting devices mounted on an end of the carriage track; and a bridge having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bridge pivotally mounted adjacent the opening of the chamber wherein the bridge may pivot between an open and a closed position, the top surface adapted for supporting the loading car, and the bridge having receiving devices adapted for receiving the connecting devices when the bridge is in the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically loading successive layers of similarly shaped objects, such as newspaper bundles and the like, into wheeled carts. The bundles are first delivered at a controlled rate from a source thereof to a device that arranges and delivers the objects in organized groups to an initial loading position. The organized group is then moved onto a carrier from the loading position. The carrier then moves from its loading position to a position within the wheeled cart. A blocking plate serves to prevent the objects from moving with the carrier as it move back to its initial loading position wherein the objects are deposited in the cart. The cart is held on a lift and is first moved to a top loading position for receiving the first layer of bundles and subsequently lowered the needed amount for receiving successive layers of bundles.

Abstract: The combined dolly and ramp assembly includes a ramp having a pair of laterally spaced arms and an inclined ramp surface interconnecting the arms adjacent one end and at an elevation for receiving a roll of web material from a pallet. The dolly includes a frame mounted on casters and which has a pair of inclined surfaces meeting at an apex centrally of the dolly. The dolly is movable into an opening between the arms 16 of the ramp to align the inclined ramp with one of the inclined surfaces of the dolly. A foot-actuated latch automatically and releasably locks the dolly and ramp to one another. The roll of web material is rolled down the ramp onto the dolly and secured by a strap to anchor points on the dolly. By releasing the latch, the dolly with the roll may be displaced to another station.

Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Components on a transfer carrier permit remote actuation of locking components in a chamber through intermediate components on a ramp between the chamber and the transfer carrier. Members are provided to secure the transfer carrier to the ramp. Linear actuation of a push rod at the remote end of the transfer carrier causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. Fail safe mechanisms are provided to prevent movement of the blocking member to the unlocked position when the transfer carrier is not secured to the ramp.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting material, such as semiconductor wafers, between process modules coupled to a chamber. The transport apparatus includes a chamber; guide rails affixed to an outer surface of the chamber; one or more material transporters each including a motorized vehicle positioned outside the chamber and movable along the guide rails, a material carrier positioned inside the chamber, and magnetic levitation means for magnetically coupling the material carrier to the motorized vehicle through a nonmagnetic wall of the chamber; and a controller that controls the position of the motorized vehicle along the guide devices to move the material carrier to desired positions within the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling business forms that are zig-zag folded including a printed forms transport and a printed stack transport, the printed forms transport including a caster-equipped undercarriage and a generally elongated forms-receiving box pivotally mounted on the undercarriage, the box having a pair of sides, an open end for receiving the forms and a closed end, an open top and a planar bottom, a tine member positionably mounted on the box at the open end, a printed stack transport releasably engaged with the printed forms transport, and cylinders connecting the undercarriage with the box for pivoting the box through a vertical arc to convert the string of forms to a stack of business forms and to deposit the stack on the printed stack transport, the printed stack transport having a platform equipped with elongated slots aligned with the tine member when the printed forms transport and the printed stack transport are engaged.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template bracket integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein, the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.