Abstract: A stopper device for positioning a push car in front of the door of an elevator. The stopper device has a horizontally pivoting arm, a vertically pivoting arm and a pair of gears interlocking them with each other. The horizontally pivoting arm is locked by a stopper to its operative position and the stopper is kept in its operative position by a pushing member.

Abstract: A harvesting system for wet soil crops, such as broccoli and cauliflower, includes a harvest/shuttle vehicle and complementary trailer. The vehicle may be operated in a harvest mode in concert with detachable harvesting wings to accumulate a load of produce during a harvest. Thereafter, the harvest vehicle may either transfer the load to a similar vehicle used in a shuttle mode to transport the load to the highway, or the wings may be detached from the vehicle and the vehicle may be operated in the shuttle mode to transport the load to the highway. In either application, the harvest remains uninterrupted because the harvesting wings continue to remain in use in the field. After a load is transported from the field to the highway, it is readily transferred to a trailer. The trailer includes a trailer bed that is readily adjusted between a load receiving elevation and a load transporting elevation.

Abstract: A vehicle to loading dock releasable locking unit includes a hook for engaging a coupling on the vehicle, a motorized drive system for rotating the hook back and forth between locked and unlocked positions, and a hook position sensor for sensing whether the hook is in the locked, the unlocked or an unsafe position between the locked and unlocked positions. The automatic control system includes a hook position selector for generating lock or unlock signals in response to a hook position command selected by an operator and for storing the selected hook position command. A first actuator control unit energizes the hook actuator to reposition the hook into the locked position in response to the lock signal. A second actuator control unit energizes the hook actuator to reposition the hook into the unlocked position in response to the unlock signal.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint is provided with a releasable locking device for securing a parked vehicle adjacent a structure such as a loading dock. The device includes a first unit mounted adjacent to an upright surface of the structure and projecting outwardly therefrom. A second unit is mounted on the outwardly disposed distal end of the first unit for selective movement about an outwardly projecting axis between operative and inoperative modes. When in a operative mode, the second unit has at least a portion thereof projecting upwardly and assuming a vehicle interlocking position whereby a segment of the vehicle is entrapped between the upright portion of the second unit and the upright surface of the structure. When in an inoperative mode, the portion of the second unit assumes a vehicle release position disposed at a substantial angle relative to the upright vehicle interlocking position whereby the second unit will not obstruct movement of the vehicle away from the upright surface.

Abstract: A cart loader assembles objects advancing along an infeed conveyor line into arrayed rows of parallel columns, and transfers these arrayed rows of columns to individual shelves of a multi-tiered rolling cart. The cart loader has an external frame enclosing a vertically elongated front elevator and a central staging zone fed by the infeed conveyor. A multi-deck elevator has decks spaced apart vertically by a distance corresponding to the vertical distance between shelves on the multi-tiered cart, latched to the frame for loading. A plurality of horizontally deployable and retractable pushers are each aligned respectively with one shelf, and positioned for delivery of objects from the elevator zone to the cart. A preferred deck-loading and cart-shelf loading sequence achieves minimum loading cycle time coupled with maximum time within each cycle for replacing each loaded cart with an empty cart for the next loading operation.

Abstract: The device for restraining a truck or transport trailer at a loading dock comprises a frame having a vertical securing face and a lower horizontal securing face for mounting of the device to a structure such as a loading dock and at least partially supported by a driveway in front of the loading dock. A pivotal bar member having one end pivotally secured to the frame above and intermediate the length of the lower horizontal bearing face and outwardly of the vertical securing face is movable from a generally horizontal vehicle release position to a vehicle restraining position with the bar generally perpendicular to the lower horizontal bearing face. The bar is moved by a hydraulic cylinder pivotally secured adjacent the forward end of the lower horizontal securing face and pivotally secured to said bar member to be angled rearwardly towards said vertical securing face. The cylinder is pivotally secured to arms extending below the bar beyond the pivot securement of the bar to the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable ramp assembly installed to a pick-up truck for use in loading heavy objects into the hauling space. An enclosure for the ramp is used to provide a raised platform for the pick-up truck. The ramp has front and rear sections hinged together. The front section has a length about equal to the length of the tailgate (when open) of the truck and the rear section is long as compared to the front section. The retractable ramp is stored in the enclosure. It may be extended to a position wherein the front section rests directly on top of the open tailgate, in which event, the rear section of the ramp extends upwardly or downwardly to a loading surface.

Abstract: A mechanical restraint is provided for use in securing a parked vehicle to a stationary structure, such as a loading dock, while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded. The restraint includes a first member fixedly mounted on the front wall of the loading dock, and a second member mounted on the first member for movement in a vertical plane and for hinged movement about a vertical axis between operative and inoperative modes. The second member is provided with an elongated first section which is in sliding engagement with the first member. The second member, when in a raised position is adapted to turn about the longitudinal axis of the first section which is coaxial with the hinge axis of the second member. The second member is provided with an elongated second section which projects angularly from the upper end portion of the first section. The second section includes a distal end portion provided with a depending projection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transferring device for dies of presses and work pallets of machine tools and the like. A die transfer car is movable on two parallel rails, one side of the car is provided flanged wheels and the other side of which is provided plain wheels. When the car is stopped by a stopper having a stopper pin provided at the plain wheel side, through a stopping control device, the car is frictionally stopped by the flanges of the wheels and the side face of rails due to rotation caused by the inertia force around the stopper pin.

Abstract: A restraining device or "keeper" for locking a truck having an ICC bar to a dock, the device including an arm pivotally secured to the front of the dock for movement between a storage position against the front of the dock and an operative position extending outward from the dock, a restraining bar mounted for vertical movement relative to the swing arm to a position to block the path of motion of the ICC bar away from the dock, and a latch assembly for locking the swing arm in the operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint is provided for securing a parked vehicle against a loading dock during loading or unloading of the vehicle. The restraint includes a carriage member which is mounted on a dock wall for vertical movement and is biased to assume a predetermined elevated rest position relative to the roadway on which the vehicle is parked. The carriage member moves vertically downwardly from the rest position upon an external force of predetermined magnitude being exerted on an exposed cam surface of the carriage member. An attaching member is adjustably mounted on the carriage member for movement relative thereto between a vehicle locking mode and a vehicle release mode. Adjustably mounted on a lower portion of the carriage member is a toe-like member which normally assumes a pendent position projecting from the carriage member.

Abstract: The truck locking device includes a flat substantially triangular shaped support member having a vertically extending surface and an inclined surface, a pair of locking arms pivoted adjacent the intersection of the vertical and inclined surface on opposite sides of the support member, a pair of double acting pneumatic cylinders mounted on opposite sides of said support member for moving the locking arms into and out of engagement with a standard ICC bar on the back of a truck and an activating arm pivoted on the support member for pivotal movement under the influence of the bar as it is moved over the locking device to operate a valve to cause the pneumatic cylinders to move the arms upwardly for engagement with the bar to lock the truck in position relative to a loading dock or the like. A second valve is provided for activating the cylinders for retracting the locking arms upon completion of a loading or unloading operation to release the truck.

Abstract: A truck latch for use with a motor vehicle equipped with an ICC bumper or bar for restraining the unexpected departure of the motor vehicle. The truck latch is securable to a loading dock for coaction with the ICC bumper for a motor vehicle parked adajcent thereto. The truck latch is in the form of a tubular latch element having a hook-like restraining device extending therefrom. The latch element is vertically mounted to be bidirectionally axially movable and rotatable in a tubular supporting structure to be positioned in a coupled or de-coupled relationship with the ICC bumper. The latched condition of the truck latch may be electrically signalled by a switching element located to sense the travel of the latch element and to be operated thereby when the latch is coupled to the bumper.

Abstract: A letoff truck having wheels for rolling the truck to and from a bias cutter feeder is releasably connected to the feeder for movement of the truck with the feeder during angular adjustment of the feeder for a desired bias angle setting. The truck is also mounted for transverse movement relative to the feeder to compensate for deviations in the position of the edge of the goods conveyed from the letoff truck to the feeder. Adjustment of the feeder angle about a pivot axis to provide the desired bias angle setting is provided by a powered sprocket mounted on the feeder and positioned between idler sprockets. The sprockets are engageable with a chain member extending between the ends of a transverse track on which one end of the feeder is supported by rollers. When the desired feeder position is obtained the feeder may be positively locked in that position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for removing or replacing a ships underwater propulsion shaft in a dry dock and transporting it from the ship to a work area. It has a mobile vehicular frame and a pair of spaced apart main cylinder ram lifts pivoted at their base to the vehicular frame, each lying beneath a primary and secondary shaft support for carrying the shaft to be removed. The shaft receiving and removing means is mounted at the upper ends of said main cylinder ram lifts. Auxiliary tilt cylinder and ram means each having one end pivoted to said vehicular frame and the other end pivotally connected to tilt the main cylinder and ram lifts toward and away from the ships part to be removed from or replaced on the ship.

Abstract: A loading system for loading vehicles onto a railroad car allows passengers to load their own vehicles. Cylindrical rollers are mounted on a loading dock adjacent to the railroad car. The vehicle is driven onto a pallet that is moved laterally toward the railroad car by the rollers. The railroad car has a frame with two levels that can be raised to position each level with the loading dock. A hydraulic ram pushes the pallet with the vehicle onto the frame for loading and pulls them from the frame for unloading.

Abstract: A support or jig (6) for handling packs including elongated articles, especially lumber packs (2a,2b), is adapted to support the lumber pack during the handling and to be brought to an appropriate position in front of an input opening in a rack (1) for the transfer of a loading pack between the handling device (6) and the rack (1). During the transfer between the handling device and the rack, the weight of the pack gives rise to a tilting moment. Therefore, the device (6) is provided with supporting arms (10a,10b) which securely engage supporting means (11a-11e) in the rack (1) so that the handling device (6) during the transfer operation is supported in the area of the rack openings. The arms are locked in their extended positions by the load and hold the jig next to the rack, even if a tilting moment is created during transfer.

Abstract: A railroad station with at least two main tracks for freight trains with container-carrying flatcars has several pairs of ancillary tracks each flanking a respective main track, the ancillary tracks being used by respective sets of self-propelled transfer vehicles each having a length substantially corresponding to that of a flatcar. Each transfer vehicle is divided into four identical sections having respective pairs of transport arms which are laterally extendable in either direction to support containers of full or fractional lengths to be moved from or onto a flatcar, another transfer vehicle or a road vehicle aligned therewith. The spacing of the transport arms of each pair differs between vehicles on neighboring ancillary tracks to enable their extension into an interleaved position for a transfer of a container therebetween.

Abstract: A permanent dwelling adapted to receive and functionally couple with a mobile home having at least kitchen and bathroom facilities. The permanent dwelling is characterized in being devoid of plumbing facilities, thereby resulting in a substantial decrease in the costs of building and upkeep. Configured as such, the dwelling may be left in severe weather conditions without drainage of pipes and the like and may be "reopened" without the commensurate problems of restarting the water supply thereto.

Abstract: A device for locking a vehicle to a loading dock during a loading operation. The device includes a frame mounted on the front surface of the dock beneath a pit which houses an adjustable dockboard. A slide assembly is mounted for vertical movement on the frame, and the slide assembly includes a locking member adapted to engage an abutment on the vehicle, as the slide assembly is elevated. To raise and lower the slide assembly, a motor is mounted on the slide assembly and drives a gear that engages a rack carried by the frame. The rack is spring biased to an upper position, and on operation of the motor in one direction, the slide assembly is raised to bring the locking member into engagement with the abutment on the vehicle. Continued operation of the motor will then move the rack downwardly relative to the gear and slide assembly, and downward movement of the rack will activate a switch to cut off power to the motor.

Abstract: A device is provided for releasably securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure. The device includes a pivotally mounted elongated unit which is movable between a vehicle-interlocking operative mode and a vehicle-release inoperative mode. The elongated unit is mounted on a carriage, which is connected to the structure. The elongated unit is moved from an inoperative mode to an operative mode by hydraulic power means. The hydraulic power means includes a piston-cylinder assembly having the cylinder thereof pivotally connected to the carriage and the exposed end of the piston in operative engagement with the elongated unit whereby movement of the piston in one relative direction effects movement of the elongated unit from the inoperative mode to the operative mode.

Abstract: A back-up guide for trucks or trailers is made of two elongated members attached perpendicularly to each other, with spikes on their underside to hold the device in a stationary position. The longer of the two members provides a guide for the side of a vehicle's rear wheel during backing up, and the other, shorter, member is laterally disposed and provides a wheel chock or stop member for the rear wheel, and also acts as a visual stop point for the driver. The lateral member has a rearward extension near each of its ends, which provides supports for wheels which allow easy movement of the device when the front end is raised to lift the spikes clear of the ground. Both members may be equipped with handles for ease of handling. The device may be transported by attachment to the side and back of a truck or trailer, resting on special brackets attached to the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A device is provided for releasably securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure. The device includes a carriage first section affixed to the adjacent structure and a vertically adjustable carriage second section mounted on the first section and biased to assume a predetermined elevated position. The second section moves downwardly from the elevated position upon a predetermined external force being exerted thereon. A first element is mounted on the carriage second section for relative movement between an operative vehicle-locking mode and an inoperative vehicle-release mode. A second element is adjustably mounted on and substantially concealed by the carriage second section and coacts therewith and the first element to retain the latter in an operative mode. A manually actuated third element is carried on the carriage second section and is movable independently thereof to effect movement of the first element from the inoperative mode to the operative mode.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a track mounted car from a first position where the car is initially spotted by conventional braking means to a second predetermined position on the track which must be reached within close tolerances. An arm which may be pivoted in a vertical arc parallel to the track is pivotally attached to the car at its one end and at its other end it has preferably cone-shaped feeler means which engages a protrusion fixed adjacent to the track. A preferably vertical gravity based reference position is selected for the arm, and a sensing means for producting a direct current output signal proportional in magnitude to angular displacement of the arm from this position and corresponding in polarity to direction of displacement is provided.

Abstract: A drilling ramp for a mobile drilling rig of the type having a wheeled vehicle and a mast substructure, wherein the substructure includes four legs, two of which serve to mount power hydraulic jacks and two of which serve to mount leg locating sockets. The ramp includes a substantially planar foundation structure adapted to support the drilling rig. Longitudinal guide bars and transverse chocks are mounted on the foundation structure to guide and position wheels of the drilling rig. Two jack locating members are mounted on the foundation structure, each of which defines a respective socket sized and positioned to interlock with respective ones of the two jacks included in the substructure. In addition, two manually operated jack screws are mounted on the foundation structure in alignment with the sockets on the rear legs of the substructure. Once the jacks have been engaged in the sockets of the ramp, the jack screws can be raised in order to provide support for the rear legs of the substructure.

Abstract: The truck locking device includes a flat substantially triangular shaped support member having a vertically extending surface and an inclined surface, a pair of locking arms pivoted adjacent the intersection of the vertical and inclined surface on opposite sides of the support member, a pair of latches on opposite sides of said support member for latching the locking arms in retracted position substantially parallel to the inclined surface of the support member, a spring for normally biasing the locking arms upwardly independent of each other into engagement with a standard ICC bar on the back of a truck and an activating arm pivoted on the support member for pivotal movement under the influence of the bar as it is moved over the locking device to operate the latch members and release the locking arms for engagement with the bar to lock the truck in position relative to a loading dock or the like.

Abstract: A releasable locking device is provided for securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent upright structure. The device includes a first means mounted on the upright structure and a second means mounted on the first means for vertical movement relative thereto between operative and inoperative mode positions. When in an operative mode, the second means is in a raised position and interlockingly engages a portion of the parked vehicle. A third means is provided which releasably retains the second means in an operative mode and prevents accidental movement of the second means from an operative mode position to a lower inoperative mode position. The first means includes guides for restricting movement of the second means to a substantially vertical path.

Abstract: A production workbench is associated with a production cart which is mounted on castors to be movable from one work station to another. In a preferred form, the bench is provided with a slot or cutout to receive the production cart. Inter-engaging guide track apparatus and rollers are provided between the bench and the cart operative to serve as self-leveling apparatus to bring the surfaces of the bench and the cart to the same level when the production cart is inserted into the cutout.

Abstract: A wheelchair construction having means incorporated therein for the transfer of a seat element supporting an invalid from a wheeled frame to the seat of an automobile or other vehicle. The wheeled frame includes electrically or otherwise powered lifting means which in turn supports a platform mounting transversely extending tracks. The seat element is guided by the tracks for lateral movement. A similar set of tracks is carried by a platform supported upon an automobile seat, the tracks having extensions which in extended condition communicate with the tracks on the wheeled frame. The seat element with the invalid thereon is selectively transferred by first adjusting the level of the lifting means whereby the tracks on the frame are placed in coplanar relation relative to the tracks on the platform supported by the automobile seat.

Abstract: A device for the take-up, storage and transportation of spools, particularly yarn spools, is described, which comprises a spool carriage which consists of a subframe and a spool rack, the subframe and the spool rack being connectable together and separable from each other, the spool rack being similarly connectable to a pallet and being separable from the pallet. A coupling pallet element is provided to engage with the subframe.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a patient can be transferred from a transport carrier onto a table support. Couplings are provided for the connection of the patient positioning table to the transport carrier or to the table support. By means of the invention, a reliable locking of the patient positioning table onto the transport carrier or onto the table support which is independent of human error is to be guaranteed. The locking is to render a rotation of the patient positioning table of 360.degree. around a horizontal axis possible.

Abstract: A releasable locking device is provided which is particularly suitable for retaining a parked vehicle against a loading dock or the like during loading or unloading thereof. The device includes a pivotally mounted hook-like member movable between operative and inoperative modes. The member is secured to the front side of the loading dock by a carriage having a first section on which the hook-like member is mounted, and a second section affixed to the dock front side. The first section is adjustable relative to the second section in a substantially vertical plane. The first section is biased to normally assume a predetermined rest position which is at a maximum elevation with respect to the roadway supporting the vehicle. A reversible electric motor is mounted on the carriage first section and actuates the hook-like member between the operative and inoperative modes. When in an operative mode, the hook-like member interlockingly engages the parked vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading of vehicles such as a semi-trailer in which two pairs of continuous chains riding on their side plates extend substantially the length of the vehicle, the pairs being separated by a vertical wall, each pair of chains having a sprocket equipped drive shaft at the rear end of the vehicle with a hydraulic motor for driving the shaft and hydrauically operated struts connected to the bearing housings of the shaft for varying the chain tension.

Abstract: One cycle of operations for pushing-out of the coke, including door removal, jamb cleaning, coke guidance and reinstallation of the removed door can be conducted on one spot by employment of a common passage system for door extractor, jamb cleaner and coke guide cage, and of an automatic centering mechanism which allows the car to be positioned at once exactly in front of the coking chamber without necessity of highly skilled workman.

Abstract: A device for transferring load units comprises a transfer apparatus for transferring such load units in an elevated condition between first and second carriers each having at least two upwardly open channels extending transversely to the longitudinal direction thereof, the channels being bridged by the load units when located on the carriers, the transfer apparatus being arranged on the second carrier and comprising at least two separate arms each having lifting devices and being displaceable from the channels of the second carrier to the channels of the first carrier and vice versa transversely to the longitudinal direction of the carriers, the channels of the second carrier housing the arms when inactive.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in releasably securing a vehicle against a loading dock during loading and unloading of the vehicle. The device comprises a hingedly mounted vehicle-engaging member located adjacent a front wall of the dock and beneath the plane of the dock loading surface. A handle is provided for effecting controlled movement of the member between an inoperative mode and an operative mode. When in an operative mode, a portion of the member interlocks with a component of the vehicle and restrains movement of the vehicle away from the loading dock. When in an inoperative mode, the member assumes a vehicle-release position wherein the vehicle is free to move away from the loading dock.

Abstract: A positioning system for a roller cart adjacent a transfer cart in a roller storage and retrieval system of a printing plant has a positioning screw at the pickup station where rollers are transferred between the pickup cart and the transfer cart. This positioning screw has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the path followed by the pickup cart at the station and is formed with a pair of screw formations which are of opposite hand and which are axially spaced from each other with a gap between their inner confronting ends. An entrainment element on the cart is engageable with these screw formations and can fit between the inner ends thereof. The pickup cart then can be positioned in the station and the screw rotated to displace this cart so that the entrainment element is moved into the space between the ends, for exact positioning of the pickup cart at the station.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a roller conveyor, a platform at one end of the conveyor, and a wheeled vehicle. The platform facilitates positioning the wheeled vehicle so that the bed thereon is aligned with a load support surface defined by rollers on the conveyor whereby the apparatus may be used for loading or unloading of trailer vans.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in releasably securing one unit (e.g., the rear end of a truck vehicle) against a second unit (e.g., a loading dock). The device comprises an elongated member mounted for controlled endwise movement relative to a locking assembly, the latter being adjustably mounted on the loading dock. Carried by the elongated member and extending from an end thereof towards the truck is an attaching means which is secured to the truck. A friction means is adjustably mounted within the locking assembly for movement between operative and inoperative positions. When in an operative position, the elongated member can be moved endwise in only one direction away from the truck. When in an inoperative position, the elongated member can be moved in either endwise direction relative to the locking assembly. The friction means is biased to normally assume an operative position.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated device secures the back end of a truck against a surface of a loading dock during loading and unloading of the truck. The device includes a self-aligning hydraulic cylinder which is adjustably mounted on the loading dock, and a piston mounted within the cylinder and having an exposed portion to which an attaching means is connected. The attaching means is adapted to be releasably connected to the truck. Control means is provided for directing hydraulic pressure to the cylinder so as to effect movement of the piston in one direction whereby the attaching means exerts a pulling force on the truck to cause the latter to be secured against the loading dock surface, or in a second direction whereby the attaching means assumes a position wherein it may be disconnected from the truck. Signal means, responsive to hydraulic pressure, is provided to indicate when hydraulic pressure is being, or not being, exerted on the piston.