Means Serves To Align Wheeled Vehicle And Load Receiving Or Relinquishing Structure Patents (Class 414/401)
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Patent number: 5413450Abstract: In a vehicle (10) of the type having a first frame (12), apparatus for driving and turning the vehicle (18,24), and apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load (110), and wherein the apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load is mounted on a second frame (78) having an underside having a seating surface (72) thereon, the improvement comprising:a third frame (54), supported by the first frame, for supporting the second frame on the seating surface and having mounted thereon a plurality of biasing elements (64) for contacting the second frame to thereby allow limited off-vertical movement of the apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load with respect to the third frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Fredric Salsburg, William E. Roberts, Stephen A. Yaeger, Robert B. Overbeek
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Patent number: 5391046Abstract: An automated apparatus for loading and unloading motor vehicles, to be positioned between a loading platform and a vehicle positioning region, includes a frame movable longitudinally to the loading platform, a manipulator-conveyor unit provided with lifting and/or gripping devices and arranged on a support element rotatable through at least 180.degree., the manipulator-conveyor unit being extendable so as to be movable to a position above the loading platform and to a position above the load floor of a vehicle, features being provided for correctly aligning the support element with the load floor, a central processor also being connected to the apparatus. Sensors are associated with the manipulator-conveyor unit for sensing its movement above the support element and are connected to the central processor and to an actuator which correctly positions at least one pair of motorized wheels supporting the manipulator-conveyor unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1993Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignee: Vortex Systems S.r.l.Inventor: Arturo Colamussi
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Patent number: 5388947Abstract: The mechanical vehicle restraining device of the present invention secures a truck or other parked vehicle to a loading dock by locking onto the vehicle ICC bar thereby securing the vehicle. The device includes a base mounting plate mounted on the face of the loading dock wall and a hook positioned to move vertically within a frame guide attached to the base mounting plate. A counterbalance weight is positioned to move vertically within a second frame guide adjacent to the hook frame guide. The hook and the counterbalance weight are connected by a flexible cable. By manually depressing the hook, the hook moves down and the counterbalance weight moves up to engage a latching device. When the latching device is released, the counterbalance weight moves down thereby raising the hook until the hook engages the ICC bar.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1993Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Inventors: John F. Ancel, deceased, by Colette Ancel, legal representative
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Patent number: 5387063Abstract: 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 means 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1992Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Susan M. Napierkowski, Arthur T. Nagare, Richard J. Verga
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Patent number: 5375965Abstract: A method is provided 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: Rite-Hite CorporationInventors: Scott L. Springer, Norbert Hahn
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Patent number: 5374154Abstract: A ramp bridging mechanism having a bridge plate, the free end of which is provided with an extension. A support member is pivotably connected to the underside of the extension and supports the bridge plate in a position of rest. To free the pivot joint of the support member from support forces, an end of the support member can be displaced from a pivoted position toward the extension and into abutment against the extension, and vice versa, whereby during such displacement the position of the support member shifts relative to the transverse pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Kurt Alten
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Patent number: 5360307Abstract: A battery pack is effectively transferred between a battery powered vehicle and a cart in order to replace the battery pack with a freshly charged pack. The transfer is facilitated without dropping the battery pack by using a locking mechanism which is operative between a tray which supports the battery pack and a cart upon which the battery pack is transported to the vehicle. The locking mechanism holds the tray in place on the cart until the transfer occurs. The locking mechanism is also operative between the vehicle and the tray to hold the tray and battery pack in place on the vehicle. In order to release the tray from either the cart or the vehicle manual action is required. An attachment mechanism automatically attaches the cart to the vehicle during the transfer to prevent the battery pack from dropping due to unanticipated movement of the cart relative to the vehicle. The attachment of the cart to the vehicle is established upon positioning of the cart in the transfer position.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1992Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: Windsor IndustriesInventors: Jerry D. Schemm, Bryon L. Kajfosz, Richard T. Krieger, II
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Patent number: 5354153Abstract: On a drilling machine for drilling packs of printed circuit boards, the packs are loaded and unloaded between a support and the work table by engaging a pin on the pack via a pair of jaws and by moving the table longitudinally. The pack is retained by a bar for enabling two bars to engage and locate a further pin on the pack; further retaining elements provide for sliding the pack in relation to the table; and a member is activated for aligning the pack against a fixed locator. The support forms part of a rack operated vertically in steps by a lifter located behind the drilling machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Pluritec Italia S.p.A.Inventors: Renato Ottone, Luigi Piovano, Guido Gaida
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Patent number: 5348437Abstract: A vehicle restraining apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to be disposed adjacent a fixed structure, such as a loading dock, for securing a vehicle adjacent the fixed structure. In a typical application, the apparatus is disposed adjacent a loading dock for restraining trucks which are backed into a position adjacent the dock during loading and unloading operations. The apparatus includes an articulated structure adapted to be deployed in a vehicle-engaging position adjacent an upright surface of the dock for engaging an adjacent vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1994Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: Leroy G. Krupke, James L. Grisham, David S. Boucher
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Patent number: 5346353Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: The Serco CorporationInventor: James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 5340260Abstract: Trolley for loading rolls in a device for feeding a packaging machine, which comprises a device for supporting a row of rolls arranged mutually side by side, a conveyor for transferring the row of rolls along a direction which is axial with respect to the rolls themselves, and centering and locking longitudinal rods which are suitable to be coupled, during loading, to complementarily shaped seats which are correspondingly rigidly coupled to the feeder device.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1992Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: G.D. S.p.A.Inventors: Mario Turra, Armando Neri
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Patent number: 5336033Abstract: 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 actuating mechanism employs a movable sector arm with engaging lugs to co-act with the 4-bar linkage limit the degree of float of the system and form the drive transfer to initially elevate the linkage or retract it against the upward bias. 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 1992Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: The Serco CorporationInventor: James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 5333340Abstract: Mobile elevatable platform devices are fitted with an impact absorbing bumper, a truck restraining hook mechanism, and, optionally, a ground anchor.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1993Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Inventor: John F. Moseley
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Patent number: 5297921Abstract: A device for releasably locking a parked vehicle at a loading dock during loading and unloading thereof. The device is provided with a carriage mounted for vertical adjustment relative to the front wall of the dock and adapted to be yieldably engaged by a depending safety bar of the parked vehicle. A hook-like member is mounted on the carriage for independent rectilinear movement between an operative mode wherein the vehicle safety bar is lockingly engaged thereby and an inoperative safety bar-release mode. A power-actuated unit is mounted on the carriage and is connected by a linkage assembly to the hook-like member and effects movement thereof between the operative and inoperative modes. The linkage assembly includes a pair of pivotally connected links one of which has an end portion pivotally connected to the hook-like member and the other has an end portion pivotally connected to a lower portion of the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1993Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: Rite-Hite CorporationInventors: Scott L. Springer, David A. Spence
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Patent number: 5263805Abstract: Cigarettes are supplied to a packaging machine by equipment comprising an infeed hopper into which the cigarettes are supplied in bulk, a rotating head providing at least one compartment to accommodate a tote-box type container filled with cigarettes, from which the contents of successive containers are directed toward the hopper, and a passage directly beneath the rotating head admitting a succession of trucks each carrying several of the containers spaced apart at identical distance; the truck is propelled forward intermittently by a drive system, proceeding in discrete steps equal to the distance between centers of the containers in such a way that an elevator can operate during the pauses to shuttle the full and empty containers to and from the head.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: G.D. S.p.A.Inventors: Marco Brizzi, Antonio Gamberini
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Patent number: 5259718Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 1993Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: The Serco CorporationInventor: James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 5249905Abstract: An automatic wheel chocking apparatus for restraining movement of a vehicle away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The apparatus comprises an elongated trough formed in the driveway that extends outwardly from the front face of the loading dock and a wheel chock is mounted in the trough for movement between a storage position, where the wheel chock is located beneath the level of a driveway, and an operative position where the chock extends upwardly above the driveway and is disposed to engage a wheel of a vehicle. The wheel chock is moved between the storage and operative positions by a drive mechanism that is located within the trough and includes a lead screw. A nut is threaded on the lead screw and is connected to the wheel chock via a rigid link. Rotation of the lead screw will move the chock between the storage and operative positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1992Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Kelley Company, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Warner, Lester W. Paul
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Patent number: 5224812Abstract: A cart for transporting at least one dolly to facilitate off-loading and on-loading of the dolly into and from a compartment having an entry edge. The cart includes a wheeled frame having upper and lower pairs of guide tracks extending longitudinally of the frame and adapted to support a pair of dollies. The cart carries a locking latch for releasably securing the cart in spaced relation to an oven cabinet or the like, and a bridge member adjacent the forward end of each pair of guide tracks for movement between a retracted position and an extended position bridging the space between the forward ends of the corresponding guide tracks and the entry edge of an adjacent compartment to facilitate off-loading and on-loading of a dolly into and from the compartment. A dolly retainer member is associated with each pair of guide tracks to releasably retain a dolly longitudinally on the corresponding guide tracks during transport.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1991Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: G. Robert Oslin, Lawrence R. Melnick
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Patent number: 5221174Abstract: A shuttle vehicle for transferring objects to and from another vehicle, especially a field harvester. The shuttle has a tower lift for raising a platform carrying objects such as pallets of folded containers to a high elevation forming a tunnel-like opening. The shuttle is equipped with horns and locking hooks to engage a field harvester so that the bed of the harvester is brought into alignment with the bed of the shuttle. Boxes from the shuttle are then pushed through the tunnel-like opening of the tower lift onto the flat bed of the shuttle. Once the harvester is unloaded, the support platform of the tower lift may be lowered and objects carried by the lift placed onto the harvester. In this manner, there is a two-way transfer of goods from one vehicle to the other.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1991Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Assignee: Valley Fabrication, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Bokariza, Michael Raine, Gregory L. Branch
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Patent number: 5219260Abstract: A truck having a truck body is adapted to tow a trailer having a body disposed on a track. The truck body is tiltable to dump a load. A tailgate in the truck body is liftable after the load dumping. At its forward end, the trailer has a horn movable into mating holes in the truck after the dumping of the load from the truck body. A sprocket chain in a closed loop on the trailer track includes rollers which rotate on the track to move the trailer body in a direction into, and out of, the truck body. Pins in pairs of dog links extend through individual rollers to have the dog links move with the sprocket chains. Dogs on the dog links engage a hook coupled to the trailer body. The links are disposed so that the dogs on one link engages the hook to move the trailer body into the truck body and the dog on the other link engages the hook to move the trailer body out of the truck body.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1992Date of Patent: June 15, 1993Assignee: Redwood Reliance Sales CompanyInventors: Fred T. Smith, Fred P. Smith
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Patent number: 5212846Abstract: A vehicle restraint is provided for securing a parked vehicle against a loading dock while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded. The restraint includes a housing for below-ground installation and in which a ram is stored. The ram is mounted in the housing for vertical movement through an opening in the top of the housing, allowing the ram to move between a stored position and a raised position. Doors are provided for closing the opening in the top of the housing when the ram is in the stored position. A hydraulic cylinder is provided for moving the ram. A hook assembly is attached to the top of the ram for releasably retaining the vehicle. The hook assembly includes a hook in a stepped configuration to enable engagement of ICC bars having various heights and positioned various distances away from the loading dock wall. A sensor is provided for detecting when the hook engages the ICC bar of the vehicle and to stop the vertical movement of the ram when such engagement has been made.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Rite-Hite CorporationInventor: Norbert Hahn
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Patent number: 5203663Abstract: Restraint for preventing inadvertent horizontal movement away from a loading dock of a vehicle on a driveway adjacent the loading dock, the restraint comprising an elongated restraint arm including a bracket at a first end thereof shaped to engage a component of the vehicle, the restraint arm being connected to the driveway for movement of the first end between a lowered position proximate the driveway and a raised position wherein the bracket is disposed to engage the vehicle component, a piston-cylinder arrangement for selectively biasing the restraint arm to the raised position, and a cam structure at the second end of the restraint arm for locking the restraint arm in the raised position in response to a horizontal force acting on the restraint arm in a direction away from the loading dock and for permitting movement of the restraint arm between the raised and lowered positions in response to a horizontal force acting on the restraint arm toward the loading dock or a vertical force acting on the restraintType: GrantFiled: May 23, 1991Date of Patent: April 20, 1993Assignee: Dock Leveler Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Ruppe
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Patent number: 5168267Abstract: A management system includes a daisy chain arrangement for serial transfer of dock status data from one module to another of a group of monitoring modules and to a master control box, each module being located at a dock of a multi-dock facility. The master control box periodically receives dock status data from one or more groups of modules, determines whether any change of status has occurred and transmits data to a central processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1990Date of Patent: December 1, 1992Assignee: Rite-Hite CorporationInventor: Glen Trickle
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Patent number: 5143506Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for the aligning and/or sorting, and if applicable separating, individual parts in particular such parts that are connected to each other or remain adhered to each other. The apparatus comprises a machine frame and a first conveying device mounted thereon. A storage area for a disordered quantity of the individual parts is arranged in front of the conveying device and a linear second conveying device for the aligning and/or sorting the individual parts is arranged so as to follow the first conveying device. The storage area is exchangeably connectable to the conveying device, with the interposition of a docking device.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1990Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Inventor: Walter Sticht
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Patent number: 5144369Abstract: An improved system for exchanging a developer unit of a copying or printing machine by moving the developer unit between a portable developer unit transporter cart or the like and the development station of the machine while the cart is docked in alignment therewith, the cart has a liftable development unit holder and a simple but effective foot pedal operated lifting system for automatically lifting it up to the same level as the development station in said machine, so that developer unit rails thereon are in accurate alignment with rails in the development station for easily moving a developer unit therebetween, irrespective of variations in the level of the cart and the machine due to floor or machine alignment differences. Also disclosed is a system of assisting the lateral alignment of the cart with the machine for docking, and safety interlock systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1991Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Lawrence R. Benedict, A. Lance Marchese
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Patent number: 5142658Abstract: A computer controlled signalling system to assist a driver in accurately positioning a truck chassis at a preprogrammed specific stop point in a loading/unloading lane adjacent to a dockside container crane to facilitate loading/unloading of containerized cargo by the crane and employing a light signal panel visible to the truck driver and having a series of vertically disposed lights thereon sequentially actuated by a computer. The vertical lights indicate to the driver the exact distance he is from, and when he reaches, the desired stop point. The computer is responsive to a video image received from a video camera disposed over the traffic lane and matches the image(s) received with a programmed image for locating, identifying and signalling the position of the truck.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1991Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Assignee: Daniel H. Wagner Associates, Inc.Inventors: Peter D. McMorran, Richard W. Samms
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Patent number: 5123747Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device the mixing container of which consists of two bowl-shaped vessel parts, at least one stop element being fixed on the transport support and a clamping or draw-in device which can be brought into clamping engagement with the stop element being provided on the guide fork in such a way that the transport support with the first vessel part can be drawn into the starting position of the mixing vessel and locked there.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1989Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Dr. Herfeld GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Michael Derksen
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Patent number: 5123797Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1990Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Stierlen-Maquet AGInventors: Eberhard Schnelle, Matthias Dornauer
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Patent number: 5120181Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1990Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Assignee: The Serco CorporationInventor: James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 5118241Abstract: An interface for cargo loaders which is especially suited for use with aircraft cargo loaders. The interface is secured to a deck structure forming part of the cargo loader. The interface includes a primary interface member which can be extended or retracted with respect to the end of the deck. In addition to extension and retraction, the primary interface member can be angularly adjusted with respect to the end of the deck. A secondary interface member is stowed adjacent to the primary interface or nested within a recess formed in the primary interface. The secondary interface can be extended or retracted with respect to the primary interface member. The secondary interface can also be designed for angular adjustment. The primary interface also includes lateral extension members which can be varied in position to either decrease or increase the transverse length of the primary interface member.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1990Date of Patent: June 2, 1992Inventors: Joseph W. Cochran, Victor H. Carder
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Patent number: 5098249Abstract: A highway trailer entry guide is provided for mounting on the left and right stiles of a building entranceway for cargo to be loaded or unloaded through the rear entranceway of a highway trailer by a fork lift truck. The entry guide includes a slidable and pivotable extension member permitting engagement with the vertical edges of the entranceway of a highway trailer to thereby permit application to various configurations to accomplish the guide function.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1990Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: William L. Noble
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Patent number: 5096359Abstract: Operator intervention in parking a truck and positioning a dock leveler for performing a loading or unloading operation is simplified by a vehicle restraint actuator which is responsive to movement of the dock leveler or other vehicle loading mechanism to cause a vehicle restraint to engage an ICC bar of a vehicle. The vehicle restraint is held in place by a latch mechanism, which is released when the vehicle loading mechanism is moved to perform loading or unloading.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: The Serco CorporationInventor: James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 5096354Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and/or delivering articles comprises a generally horizontal conveyor having a number of cars arranged to travel along it. A receiving station and a delivering station are located in the path of travel of the cars along the conveyor. Each car has doors at its ends which are normally kept closed but which are arranged to open as the car approaches the receiving end delivering stations and to close on leaving the stations. The receiving station has a plate located below the base of the car but engageable therewith and means are provided to retain articles in the car on the plate as the car passes through the receiving station. The delivering station has a similar plate located below the base of the car but engageable therewith and a mechanism is provided to retain articles on the plate until the car passes through the delivering station when it picks up the articles from the plate automatically.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1989Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Inventor: Chin-Sheng Wu
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Patent number: 5094019Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a vehicle relative to an implement to be mounted upon the vehicle consists of a stop member defining a stop surface for engagement by tread surfaces of the vehicle to be positioned, and guide arms adjustably mounted upon the stop member and defining arcuate guide surfaces for engagement by the side surfaces of the vehicle wheels. A method for positioning a vehicle relative to an implement to be mounted thereupon is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1990Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Assignee: Paul DeVincenzoInventor: Paul DeVincenzo
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Patent number: 5082415Abstract: A fork lift style loading apparatus is provided to improve truck cargo loading and unloading efficiency by allowing an entire truckload of cargo to be set on forks which simply move horizontally into the truck for loading. Loading time is drastically reduced by loading the cargo onto the forks prior to truck arrival. The loading appartus includes a platform lift which adjusts vertically to the truck height, a fork lift body which supports the cargo, and a cargo stand which fits in the cargo bed of the truck. Loading pallets are not required and cargo is handled by the truckload rather than by a pallet load as in a pallet loading system.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1989Date of Patent: January 21, 1992Inventor: Takeshi Hayashi
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Patent number: 5078565Abstract: The conveying system uses a movable trolley containing vertically spaced support surfaces, each of which has parallel tracks for receiving peg trays. The trolley is movable onto a transferring conveyor, for example, at the end of a ring spinning machine. The transfer station has conveyors for conveying rows of peg trays onto and from the trolley.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1991Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: Rieter Machine Works, Ltd.Inventors: Isidor Fritschi, Robert Gnos
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Patent number: 5076205Abstract: A system for multichamber processing of semiconductor wafers providing flexibility in the nature of processing available in a multi processing facility. To accommodate changing processing demands and chamber replacement, a mobile processing chamber selectively docks with a multiple chamber system to form one of its processing chambers. The capabilities of the multiprocessing multichamber system are enhanced by extending the system to other multichamber systems through intermediate buffer storage wafer cassette and elevator systems. The extending multichamber system is further provided with intermediate access wafer storage elevator cassettes.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1989Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Assignee: General Signal CorporationInventors: E. John Vowles, Joseph A. Maher, Joseph D. Napoli
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Patent number: 5072960Abstract: A sterilizer cart for transporting a wheeled carriage, the cart having improved control and docking capabilities utilizing a docking post receptacle having a hinged tongue. The front caster wheel assemblies of the cart are provided with spring-loaded guide members which are selectively urged into and out of indentions in detent members for wheel steering. The invention also provides a method for easily directing the wheeled carriage from the cart along rails for convenient carriage insertion into and extraction from a sterilizer equipped matching rails and a centralized docking post.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1990Date of Patent: December 17, 1991Assignee: Sterilizer Technologies CorporationInventor: Walter J. Sperko
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Patent number: 5071306Abstract: A vehicle restraint mountable against a dock face uses a linearly extensible actuator member to move a flat plate restraining device into a vehicle release or restraint position. The plate carries a bracket having a cam profile which via a connection or latch arm converts the linear movement of the drive member into rotational movement of the restraining plate. In the vehicle restraining position all loading on the restraining device is transmitted to the frame without any force component on the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1990Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignee: Serco CorporationInventor: James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 5058776Abstract: An apparatus of this invention for dispensing particles into an annular pattern is preferably employed in relining a foundry furnace. The furnace relining operation comprises positioning an expendable steel form in the furnace spaced apart from an outer wall, filling the annular space with refractory particles, and sintering the particles into a continuous lining. The apparatus of this invention comprises a platform removably positioned atop the form and having a circular track. The apparatus further comprises a carriage rotatably mounted on the platform and riding on wheels that travel along the circular track. A supply of the refractory particles is loaded into a hopper carried by the carriage. A feeder conveys particles from the hopper for discharge into the space. During use, the carriage rotates while continuously dispensing particles to uniformly distribute the particles into the space.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: General Motors of Canada LimitedInventors: Michael L. Courtney, Joseph S. Hockey, Ayton J. Grady
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Patent number: 5047748Abstract: A remote monitoring system for a multi-position loading dock facility having a vehicle restraint lock at each loading/unloading position is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a data processor, and a keyboard and monitor associated therewith, which may be coupled to lock sensing switches and other signalling devices at each loading/unloading position. The data processor, supplied with the developed signals corresponding to the condition of a truck at each loading/unloading position, is operable to continually process these signals to allow display and recording of a plurality of types of data.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1989Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Assignee: Rite-Hite CorporationInventor: Glen Trickle
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Patent number: 5026243Abstract: A loading or unloading platform is located and secured in a frame mounted beneath the bottom of a semi-trailer. The platform is removable from underneath the semi-trailer by releasing a lock and pulling the platform out from under the trailer after extension of the retractable wheels of the platform. The platform is then available for use in a locked position adjacent to any door of the semi-trailer. A ramp is used in combination with the platform. The ramp is located underneath the bottom of the semi-trailer in two spaced-apart mounting brackets, one mounting bracket for each end of the ramp. One mounting bracket is fixed in position and includes a lock for locking a bottom end of the ramp underneath the semi-trailer. The other mounting bracket includes a swivel turntable and a pivoting holder for engaging the top end of the ramp.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1989Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Inventor: Travis E. Dell
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Patent number: 5026242Abstract: A vehicle restraint for securing a truck to a loading dock. The restraint is actuated by a vehicle ICC bar which moves an arm of the restraint. By use of a cam follower and spring system a restraint member is raised using the motion of the arm to transfer energy to raise the restraint. In the upright position, the restraint captures and prevents a truck from backing away from the dock. The system is held and biased into the engaging position and is released by a mechanical trapping mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1990Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Assignee: Serco CorporationInventor: James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 5019324Abstract: The invention is directed to a centering arrangement for aligning two mutly adjacent openings of a lock and a container for receiving radioactive waste which is passed into the container through the lock. The container is provided with additional openings having a cross-sectional center point which is displaced from the cross-sectional point of the container per se. The centering arrangement includes a carrier which is pivotally journalled on a vehicle so as to be movable from a vertical plane into a horizontal plane and the vehicle is movable along rails in a horizontal direction. The longitudinal axis of the container is in a position aligned to a fixed point of the lock. The carrier includes a first container guide including an annular member having an inner conical surface and a second conical guide for positioning the container openings with respect to the rotational position of the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1989Date of Patent: May 28, 1991Assignee: Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Wiederaufarbeitung von Kernbrennstoffen mbHInventors: Burkart Schulte, Norbert Hardt, Rainer Kohne
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Patent number: 5007785Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a container having different shelves, each filled with a plurality of stacks of trays filled with a product, such as eggs. The container is comprised of four vertical support sections and horizontal connecting sections which support the stack carrying shelves. During the unloading of the various shelves, each of which carries at least three adjacent stacks of trays, the middle stack is, preferably, first removed, and more preferably after loosening such middle stack by lifting and moving it sideways a small distance to prevent jamming of the middle stack and an adjacent stack. In one embodiment, a fork-shaped unloading device can be inserted under tunnel-shaped openings of the lowermost of a stack of trays, and the points of which are provided with switch elements or sensors.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1989Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Assignee: Staalkat B.V.Inventor: Jelle van der Schoot
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Patent number: 5004394Abstract: A push roll assembly mounted to a material receiving apparatus, such as a paver or other material receiving machine, includes a resilient link which allows energy transferred during contact of a supply truck with the push rolls to be gradually transferred to the material receiving machine, to thereby smoothen the impact between such truck and the machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1989Date of Patent: April 2, 1991Assignee: Cedarapids, Inc.Inventors: Jon D. Goodwin, Joseph E. Musil
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Patent number: 4988254Abstract: A vehicle restraint mountable against a dock face uses a linearly extensible actuator member to move a flat plate restraining device into a vehicle release or restraint position. The plate carries a bracket having a cam profile which via a connection or latch arm converts the linear movement of the drive member into rotational movement of the restraining plate. In the vehicle restraining position all loading on the restraining device is transmitted to the frame without any force component on the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1988Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Serco CorporationInventor: James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 4973213Abstract: A vehicle restraint for preventing a vehicle, such as a truck, from accidentally pulling away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint comprises a mounting frame mounted on the front vertical surface of the loading dock and a slide is mounted for movement on the mounting plate and is biased to an upper position. An inclined cam member is pivoted to the upper portion of the outer end of the slide and extends downwardly and outwardly from the slide and the lower end of the cam member is pivotally connected to the mounting frame via a link of fixed length. When a truck backs toward the loading dock, an abutment, such as an ICC bar, at the rear end of the truck, will engage the inclined cam member, wedging the slide downwardly against the force of the biasing member, and the ICC bar will engage a notch located in the upper edge of the slide to block outward movement of the truck from the loading dock.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1989Date of Patent: November 27, 1990Assignee: Kelley Company Inc.Inventor: Kjell I. Erlandsson
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Patent number: 4969792Abstract: An assembly for a truck at a loading bay includes a guide track and a chock member for the truck which is reciprocated along the guide track to engage the rear wheels of the truck and lock it securely in position; the guide track may be formed in a platform forming part of the assembly and on which the truck is supported; suitably the platform is hinged at its outer end whereby the platform is pivotable about the outer end such that the rear of the truck may be elevated or lowered for alignment with the loading bay.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1988Date of Patent: November 13, 1990Assignee: Kelley Company Inc.Inventors: Elwood B. Ellis, Arthur S. Ellis
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Patent number: 4964777Abstract: A restraining device for engaging an ICC bar on a truck including a base, a pivotal deck mounted on the base, a first hydraulic motor for raising the deck into engagement with the ICC bar, a hydraulic circuit responsive to an increase in hydraulic pressure in the first hydraulic motor for actuating a second hydraulic motor mounted on the deck to cause a pair of hands to engage the ICC bar and apply a force biasing it and the truck on which it is mounted toward a building wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1988Date of Patent: October 23, 1990Assignee: Eriks Holding N.V.Inventors: Joseph P. H. Kleynjans, Walenty Kalempa