Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus comprising a light-tight film processing section with one or more film storage magazines. A film sheet can be removed from the magazine in order to be transported to the exposure position. The apparatus also comprises a cassette loading and unloading station as well as a film guide device. A film sheet can be transported by the film guide device either into the beam path at the exposure position or into a cassette in the cassette loading and unloading station. Thus, cassette exposures can also be made without loading and unloading the cassette in a separate dark room or without a so-called daylight system being necessary.

Abstract: An individual nuclear fuel rod weighing system for rods carried on a tray which moves along a materials handling conveyor. At a first tray position on the conveyor, a lifting device raises the rods off the tray and places them on an overhead ramp. A loading mechanism conveys the rods singly from the overhead ramp onto an overhead scale for individual weighing. When the tray is at a second position on the conveyor, a transfer apparatus transports each weighed rod from the scale back onto the tray.

Abstract: An X-ray film handling system combines the unloading of the cassette, the printing of patient data, loading the cassette with a new film and processing of the film in a single instrument. The whole procedure of selecting film size, unloading the exposed film, printing the film, transporting the exposed film into the processor, reloading the cassette with a fresh film and presenting the loaded cassette back to the operator is fully automatic and requires no operator activity.

Abstract: A multi-layer stream of cigarettes is transported from a making machine to a packing machine by way of a first and a second junction. The first junction diverts some or all of the cigarettes from their path and into a tray filler when the output of the making machine exceeds the requirements of the packing machine, and the second junction receives some or all of the cigarettes from a magazine filler when the requirements of the packing machine exceed the output of the making machine. A trickle of cigarettes can flow into the tray filler and a trickle of cigarettes can flow from the magazine filler even at such times when the requirements of the packing machine match the output of the making machine. This prevents moving cigarettes from rubbing against one and the same group of stagnant cigarettes which fill the location where the first junction can discharge cigarettes into the tray filler and the location where the second junction can receive cigarettes from the magazine filler.

Abstract: Constant supply of electronic components to a processing station is effected by a reservoir and component supply tubes indexed to sequentially unload into the reservoir automatically, as the need arises. Plural component supply tubes are mounted in a cartridge assembly at each station of a multistation processing machine. Upon command of a controller and in response to a low part sensor of a reservoir at each station, the cartridge is indexed to the next tube in order to unload the components of that tube into the reservoir. Each station includes a separate indexing mechanism for each respective cartridge, and a carriage is translated to a position adjacent the indexing mechanism of each station, upon command, in order to effect such indexing.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying unexposed X-ray films to a handling apparatus, such as a cassette unloading and loading apparatus, includes a channel member bounding a channel into which a receptacle unit including an inner receptacle member and an outer tubular casing member can be introduced. The casing member is shiftable relative to the receptacle member so as to respectively cover and uncover a withdrawing opening of the receptacle member in its closed and open relative position. At least one arresting device is provided which arrests the members in their closed position. The arresting device is released by a releasing device mounted on the channel member when the receptacle unit reaches its releasing position in the channel. Then, the casing member is retained in the releasing position, and the receptacle member continues its movement until it reaches its open position.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring cigarettes or the like at a transfer station between a mass flow conveyor system including a reversible transfer conveyor and a movable trolley having vertical compartments for holding batches of cigarettes, comprises means for separating articles in the trolley from articles on the transfer conveyor including movable bands defining spaced outlets and an apertured plate, which bands and plate are sequentially moved to close or open the outlets. Two compartments are normally filled or emptied simultaneously. The cigarettes are supported in the compartments by movable captive platforms which are operated on by hoist means associated with the transfer station.

Abstract: An improved tobacco dumper is provided with a brake means for safely holding the dumper in a raised position blocking the hood opening of a tobacco feeder. Control apparatus prevents brake engagement until the dumper is in an upper dump position, and prevents dumper return until a specific control input is received and the brake is positively disengaged. Apertured drive sprockets and aligned brake pins are utilized.

Abstract: The application discloses a design for an automatically dumping hopper for use with a forklift. The hopper is designed for a 1-man operation with the operator transporting stacking and dumping the hopper without leaving the forklift seat and without the use of any controls other than the controls of the forklift. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment which is useful for sand, gravel and other loose bulk material has a hinged bottom secured to the sidewalls with a hasp latch constructed such that when the hopper is tilted on edge, the hasp clears from its retainer, releasing the bottom to open when the hopper is lifted. The latch only releases upon tilting of the hopper so that the hopper can be transported and stored when lifted vertically.

Abstract: A box or container for transporting and disposing of trash is constructed to be operated by the action of a forklift truck alone without the addition of special accessories and so constructed as to have a low overall height making it suitable for placement under machines, benches and other devices, because of the absence of operating mechanisms under the container. The box is constructed so that the discharge cover or lid, as well as a specially constructed dumping leg are automatically released by the action of the forklift. The dumping leg then drops into a pivot bracket customarily located on the edge of the receptacle which receives the trash and further action of the forklift causes the box to tilt or pivot around the leg and discharge the contents of the box. Further action of the forklift returns the leg to its position under the box and closes the cover or lid making the box ready for further receipt of trash.

Abstract: The feed hopper of a cigarette packing machine is provided with an inlet mouth comprising a fixed rectangular tubular member over which there is mounted telescopically slidable in the vertical direction a telescoping rectangular tubular member. The tray filled with cigarettes is positioned upside down, with its discharge side closed by a bottom closure plate, over the open upper end of the telescoping tubular member. The full tray is then lowered, together with the telescoping member, until the bottom closure plate reaches the level of the cigarettes already contained in the hopper. At this point, a level sensing device gives a control signal for the side shifting, and consequent opening, of the discharge side of the tray. After the opening of the discharge side, the tray is again raised to its starting position.

Abstract: A truck vehicle carried boom system for lifting, transporting, and depositing a load of particulate material such as powder, granules or seeds into storage bins in material dispensing aircraft, including a telescoping boom structure pivotally mounted on support structure which in turn is rigidly secured to the vehicle frame. The boom includes provision for removable carrying a hopper form of load bag. An extensible piston-cylinder hydraulic motor is utilized to obtain various pivotal positions of the boom. The boom telescope disposition is maintained by a mechanical safety pin. The boom is extended and retracted by inertial forces generated by vehicle manipulation. As an auxiliary device a boom safety bar, hydraulically operated is secured to a side portion of the truck bumper structure to provide a safety block when the boom is in the aircraft loading position.

Abstract: A plant for storing single articles or objects, such as track links, designed to be introduced into a production line turning out the said links, at a point between two consecutive processing center, or units, forming part of the line. A number of special containers, each of which is designed to accommodate the links are formed by rows into `parcels` and are transferred thus along the line using conventional conveyors thereby permitting their optional withdrawal from and redeposition onto the line. An apparatus is designed to receive, hold and position each single full or empty container with respect to the relative conveyor in order to allow such loading or unloading. Loading or unloading of the single container is brought about by transferring the parcels of links into the container, the base of which is formed with parallel slots into which rollers of a conveyor may be introduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for exposing the contents of an envelope which has two opposing panels wherein the panels have been separated from each other along all but one edge portion where the panels remain connected. The envelope is gripped on one of the panels and then the envelope is oriented so that at least the contents of the envelope fall away from the gripped panel to thereby expose the envelope contents.

Abstract: A case and carton handling device to remove trash and debris from case and carton combinations and permit visual inspection thereof for damage. The case and carton handling device comprises a base with a drive shaft attached thereto, a case ring assembly to selectively engage the cases, remove them from a feed conveyor belt for inspection and return them to a discharge conveyor belt; and a carton ring assembly to selectively engage the cartons, remove them from the cases for inspection and return them to the cases. The case ring assembly includes a case ring positioner to position the case ring assembly at a first case ring position such that the case ring assembly may engage the cases and a second case ring position wherein the carton ring assembly may engage the cartons.

Abstract: A lifting and dumping apparatus for use with a front end loading refuse vehicle. The apparatus includes a pair of lift arms which extend forward of the cab of the vehicle and which are pivotally secured to the sides of the vehicle. A rotatable front tube extends between the front ends of the left arms, and a pair of fork arms are pivotally connected to the front tube. The fork arms can pivot between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the fork arms extend forward of the lift arms, generally perpendicular to the front tube for engagement with a detachable refuse container, and in the closed position the fork arms are generally parallel to the front tube so that their projection forward of the left arms is eliminated. Hydraulic cylinders are provided for pivoting the fork arms, and a hydraulic circuit is provided with a sequencing valve to close the fork arms one at a time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet which is particularly, but not exclusively intended for use in cargo terminals or other stations where goods are transferred from one means of transportation to another to facilitate loading, unloading and reloading of goods, but which is also useful for the ordinary purposes of the pallet. Characteristic of the invention is that the pallet comprises a body in the form of a rectangular, relatively light-weight framework of light metal or aluminum beams with a load-carrying surface formed by a plurality of rollers, preferably in the form of ball roller means, connected to the framework, and with at least one brake roller which is supported in such a position that goods having planar undersides, which, when carried on the pallet, are moved on the rollers, will be braked by means of the brake roller which is preferably carried by a swiveling frame to permit braking in whatever direction the goods are shifted.

Abstract: Initially randomly oriented elongated articles (11) are uniformly oriented and inserted into cavities (47) of a magazine (48) in a mass insertion process. The articles (11) are first aligned in parallel grooves (32) of a rack (31), wherein they initially retain a random longitudinal orientation. The articles (11) are then translated longitudinally in one or the other direction depending on their orientation in the rack. Those of the articles extending in the one longitudinal direction are first transferred to the magazine (48) while the other articles remain in the rack. The longitudinal orientation of the remaining articles is thereafter reversed by rotating the rack about its longitudinal axis, and the remaining articles are inserted into the magazine as the complement of such first transferred articles.

Abstract: A mobile reservoir system for rod-like articles such as cigarettes in which trays are moved in trolleys and each tray is capable of receiving articles in stack formation from an overhead mass flow outlet at a combined loading/unloading station. The mass flow outlet is closable by a rolling gate closure device. Each tray has parallel compartments for simultaneously receiving batches from streams passing from a producing machine and contains captive platforms movable by drive means at the loading/unloading station to progressively lower the articles into each compartment. Articles may be returned through the mass flow outlet by reversal of the drive means and upward movement of the platform; side bands may engage the articles through slots in the trays to aid this upward movement.

Abstract: Cigarettes 10 gravity discharged from a container supply stack 11 are transported by an elongated intermediate conveyor 12 to a funnel-like distribution chamber 16, and from then flow onto a transfer conveyor 27 in a main stream and into a buffer storage magazine 23 in a smaller stream. The magazine comprises a bidirectionally movable belt 24 having an angled endwall 25 mounted on it. A hinged sidewall 13 is repeatedly flapped against the cigarette ends by a roller driven cam 33 and follower 32 to evenly align them transverse to the direction of conveyance, and misaligned ones fall through lateral sideslots 37, 38 of the intermediate conveyor onto an angled deflection plate 39. Lightbeams 21, 22 in the distribution chamber monitor and control the level of the cigarette flow stream. The magazine is appropriately controlled for filling or discharge to maintain a constant output flow when the supply stacks are being changed.

Abstract: Apparatus for consecutively discharging objects from containers moving along a fixed path having a number of discharge points therealong. The apparatus includes a rotatable control sleeve extending along the path with a device arranged at each of the discharge points to cause passing containers to discharge consecutively. A driving member is provided to effect rotation of the control sleeve to a succession of discharging conditions and a further device is provided to prevent over advancement or run-back of the control sleeve with respect to certain discharge positions assumed by the latter. A further device is provided to permit the control sleeve to return rapidly to an initial operating condition on discharge of the last of a series of containers.

Abstract: An ammunition supply system including a vehicle having a fluted drum which receives an ammunition belt including a plurality of interconnected tubular members each of which carries a round of ammunition of a size in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm. Within the vehicle, the shells are removed from the tubular members while the belt is on the drum and such shells are transferred to a feed belt which carries the rounds of ammunition to an armament system. Simultaneously, empty shell casings and misfired rounds are returned from the armament system and are inserted into the tubular members of the ammunition belt while such tubular members remain on the drum. Thereafter, the ammunition belt is discharged from the vehicle into a receptacle.

Abstract: A device for unloading exposed film from a cassette, discarding a backing strip which is wound with the film, discharging the cassette body and conveying the film to a light-free storage box. The cassette is initially loaded into the device through a shutter-closable aperture and received by a downwardly inclined cradle. Upon initiation of the loading cycle, the loading aperture shutter closes and a pneumatic ram lifts the cradle to place the cassette against the inlet of a film guide. A motor raises a violator probe after the cassette is in place to guide the backing paper between a pair of powered rollers which draw the backing strip from the cartridge thereby carrying the film into the film guide. The backing strip is discharged through a series of ducts to be discharged outside the machine.

Abstract: A sample vial guide for scintillation spectrometers or other sample handling systems in which sample vials are moved in a horizontal path to a first operating station, transferred vertically therefrom to a second station such as a radiation measuring chamber, and returned along the vertical path to the first station for continued movement along the horizontal path away from the first station. The sample vial guide includes first and second opposing jaws at the first station on opposite sides of the horizontal path and having opposing interior surfaces which surround and define a constrained area at the first station for a sample vial. The jaws are hinged to pivot laterally away from the horizontal path and include cam surfaces on each jaw for engaging a sample vial as it moves along the horizontal path to or from the first station to move the jaws to an open position to accommodate such horizontal movement of the vial.

Abstract: An improved raisin harvester including a front fork for sliding under a raisin laden tray, a draper web situated above the fork for engaging the trays and sliding them along the fork to a conveyor mechanism having a tray receiving end located at the upper end of the fork, running shoes extending downward from the conveyor mechanism, a wheeled chassis having a frame to which an assembly including all of the foregoing is pivotally attached, a shaker mechanism attached to the frame so as to be situated under the discharge end of the conveyor mechanism, a hydraulic jack for adjusting the tilt of the fork, conveyor and draper web assembly, a hydraulic power system for driving the conveyor, draper web, shaker tray and hydraulic jack, a tow bar for attaching the harvester to a tractor or other motive implement which pulls the harvester, and a trailer hitch to which a carriage for raisin receiving receptacles may be attached.

Abstract: A cop supplying truck which runs along the individual winding units of an automatic winding machine is provided. The cop supplying truck travels while storing the cops accomodated in an individual cylindrical cop container and feeds the cops into a magazine of a winding unit without stopping at the individual winding units. The cop supplying truck is provided with a hole through which the cop falls onto the magazine. The cops are travelled and fed by means of a first conveyer device which works to successively convey the cop containers toward the falling hole, a device which takes out one of the cop container when the cop supplying truck passes over the empty magazine, and a second conveyor device which so works that a cop in the taken-out cop container is only allowed to fall into the magazine through the falling hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading inserts to be encapsulated from cartridges into a loading frame is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a loading frame base provided with a plurality of guide members, stopping members arranged on the loading frame base for positioning inserts on the guide members, hydraulic cylinders for lifting up the loading frame to load the inserts on the guide members into the loading frame, and an insert feeding mechanism arranged at the rear end of the loading frame base and composed of a cartridge base on which cartridges are placed, and apparatus for intermittently elevating the cartridge base. In operation, inserts contained in cartridges slide along the grooves of the guide members, whereby they are positioned on the guide members, and then loaded into the loading frame by raising motion of the loading frame.