Abstract: A stand mixer is provided having a pivotable head and a sliding stand for receipt of a bowl or other container. The head and bowl stand are pivotally linked such that as the head pivots an axis, the bowl stand moves simultaneously along a vertical direction. A plurality of linkages may be connected between the head and bowl stand to provide for such simultaneous movement.

Abstract: A tool for installing ventilation louvers has a securing mechanism to secure the tool to a lifting device. A cross beam is coupled with the securing mechanism. A louver holder is pivotally coupled with the cross beam. The louver holder moves from a first securement position to a second installation position. A holding bar holds the louver holder in the first position. A handle enables manipulation of the louver holder from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for transporting a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus has support wheels coupled to a base and swivelable about swivel axes. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base and includes an auxiliary wheel configured to move between a plurality of wheel positions, and an actuator operably coupled to the auxiliary wheel to move the auxiliary wheel between the plurality of wheel positions. A sensing system with a sensor is provided to detect a motion condition of the patient transport apparatus. A controller is coupled to the sensing system and to the actuator, and is configured to drive the actuator to move the auxiliary wheel between the plurality of wheel positions based on the motion condition of the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: A system to retain a bag within a container when rotated by a chute is provided. The system includes a linkage that pivots a second arm and a hook between a release position and a holding position, the linkage comprising an input, a first arm, and the second arm that supports the hook, and a fixed plate. The input is connected to a first arm such that movement of the input pivots the first arm. The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm at a second end of the first arm, a spring is disposed at the pivotable connection between the first and second arms and is provided to bias the second arm toward a position where the second arm extends along a line that is substantially co-linear with a longitudinal axis through the first arm. The hook extends from an extended end portion of the second arm.

Abstract: In a lifting and transporting device for lifting a load and transporting the load transversely to the lifting direction, for use in manufacturing a screwed flange connection, in order to bring a bolting tool into a bolting position, in which it is in engagement with a screw bolt connection to be tightened or to be released, or into a transport position in which it can be moved out of engagement with a screw bolt connection and can be transported to the next screw bolt connection, wherein the flange extends horizontally in the transport direction, comprising a frame which extends around a load space of specified size for picking up and lifting a load, a holding mechanism for holding the load, wherein the holding mechanism is movable relative to the frame in the lifting direction, and comprising a hoisting device which beside the load space is attached to the frame and is adapted for lifting and lowering the holding mechanism with a load attached thereto, wherein the frame is mounted on a first and a second sup

Abstract: A retention mechanism for retaining an agricultural machine in engagement with a fork assembly. The mechanism may be provided on the fork assembly, agricultural machine or split between them. The retention mechanism may be actuated by a foot associated with either the fork assembly or the agricultural machine. The retention mechanism may employ pivoting latches or a clamping mechanism that clamps upon the forks or tines.

Abstract: A loading arm assembly for a load-handling vehicle, includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm. The loading arm assembly further includes a crossbeam and two corner grippers. The auxiliary arm is disposed on the main arm and the crossbeam is disposed on the end of the auxiliary arm. The corner grippers is disposed on the ends of the crossbeam. The loading arm assembly is improved in that the crossbeam is pivotable relative to the auxiliary arm about two axes.

Abstract: A cart lifter assembly is provided that is adapted to be mounted to an intermediate refuse collection container that includes a scissors-type extension assembly for moving the lifter between a first/retracted and a second/extended position. The scissors extension assembly further comprises an elongated channel member configured to be secured to the wall of the intermediate container; a mounting block slidably received in the elongated channel member; first second, third and fourth scissor arms; and a bracket configured to be fixedly mounted to the wall of the intermediate container in spaced relationship to the elongated channel member. A rotary actuator is secured to the bracket and has a rotatable shaft extending from opposite ends thereof, for moving the lifter relative to the intermediate container between the first/retracted position and the second/extended position, with one end of the second scissor arm being removably secured to the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with an outer frame with a series of wheels, and first and second support arms connected to the outer frame and extending upwardly. The apparatus has first and second rails to slidably receive an upper lip of a portable waste receptacle, with the first rail supported by the first support arm for translation relative to the first support arm. The apparatus has a dumping system with a lifting assembly and a power assembly. The dumping system is connected to the outer frame and the first rail to move the first and second rails along the first and second support arms between a load position and a dumping position. A controller is in communication with the dumping system to control the position of the first and second rails via the dumping system.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for transporting a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus has support wheels coupled to a base and swivelable about swivel axes. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base and includes an auxiliary wheel configured to move between a plurality of wheel positions, and an actuator operably coupled to the auxiliary wheel to move the auxiliary wheel between the plurality of wheel positions. A sensing system with a sensor is provided to detect a motion condition of the patient transport apparatus. A controller is coupled to the sensing system and to the actuator, and is configured to drive the actuator to move the auxiliary wheel between the plurality of wheel positions based on the motion condition of the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: A dump body for a hauler vehicle, and a hauler vehicle adapted for such a body. The dump body can be equipped to an autonomous, and electric or hybrid, working machine. The working machine includes a dump body and a working machine frame. The dump body includes at least one guide portion having a guide surface facing downwards and being arranged at the load supporting end portion, the guide portion being configured to transfer the load of the dump body, and a second end portion of the working machine frame includes at least one guiding plate arranged to receive the at least one guide portion of the dump body, whereby the guide portion and the at least one guiding plate are arranged such that the dump body is guided towards a centered position on the working machine during a pivotal downward movement towards said working machine frame of the working machine.

Abstract: A foot controller includes a stationary portion and a cradle member that can receive a foot of a user. The cradle member is moveable to of different positions along paths, such as a left position, a right position, a front position, or a back position. One or more paths have a left-right direction of the controller and at least one of the paths has a forward-back direction of the controller. Sensors sense the cradle member at a particular position and output sensor signals indicative of that position. A function provided by a system is activated based on the sensed position.

Abstract: A cart lifter assembly is provided that is adapted to be mounted to an intermediate refuse collection container that includes a scissors-type extension assembly for moving the lifter between a first/retracted and a second/extended position. The scissors extension assembly further comprises an elongated channel member configured to be secured to the wall of the intermediate container; a mounting block slidably received in the elongated channel member; first second, third and fourth scissor arms; and a bracket configured to be fixedly mounted to the wall of the intermediate container in spaced relationship to the elongated channel member. A rotary actuator is secured to the bracket and has a rotatable shaft extending from opposite ends thereof, for moving the lifter relative to the intermediate container between the first/retracted position and the second/extended position, with one end of the second scissor arm being removably secured to the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A charging cart assembly for transporting a refrigerant tank. The charging cart assembly including a frame assembly having a handle at an upper end of the frame assembly and two wheels rotatably mounted to the frame assembly. A swivel plate assembly is mounted to the frame assembly. The swivel plate assembly includes a tank securing device arranged and designed to secure the refrigerant tank to the swivel plate assembly. The swivel plate assembly with the refrigerant tank secured thereto has a generally upright position in which the refrigerant tank is in a generally upright position and has a generally inverted position in which the refrigerant tank is in a generally inverted position.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the surface to assist caregivers. The auxiliary wheel assembly comprises auxiliary wheels and an actuator operably coupled to the auxiliary wheels. A controller adjusts the actuator based on input from a sensing system so that frictional forces acting between the auxiliary wheels and the surface are sufficient for steering and maneuvering of the patient transport apparatus, without sacrificing stability of the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an apparatus and method used in connection with a forklift truck for quickly and easily nesting and un-nesting bulk seed boxes. A box inverter apparatus includes first and second rotary clamp pads, each clamp pad having a box engaging surface and an opposing rear surface. The first and second rotary clamp pads are positioned such that the box engaging surfaces thereof face one another in a spaced apart relationship. First and second spindle and bearing assemblies are associated with and extend radially outwardly from the opposing rear surfaces of the first and second rotary clamp pads, respectively. Each of the spindle and bearing assemblies has a first end attached to the rear surface of the rotary clamp pad and a second end attached to a frame such that each spindle and bearing assembly permits rotation of the rotary clamp pad relative to the frame.

Abstract: A cantilevered dumping system comprising a dumping mechanism that is adapted to be repositioned (e.g., reversed) relative to a base structure such that there may be multiple modes of operation of the dumping mechanism relative to the base structure (e.g., loading of materials and/or movement of the dumping mechanism, etc.). An exemplary embodiment of a dumping system may allow for the connections of a dumping mechanism to a base structure to be changed (e.g., reversed) such that the operation of the dumping mechanism relative to the base structure (e.g., loading of materials and/or movement of the dumping mechanism, etc.) is different. Another embodiment of a dumping system may include a base structure that includes multiple guide plates and/or guide rails to facilitate the desired modes of operation of a dumping mechanism relative to the base structure (e.g., loading of materials and/or movement of the dumping mechanism, etc.).

Abstract: A construction equipment accessory can include a construction equipment attachment portion, which can include a mechanical interface, a hydraulic interface, and a center section coupled to the mechanical interface, first and second support arms pivotably coupled to the construction equipment attachment portion's center section, and first and second finger grapples. The first and second finger grapples can each include two or more opposing fingers and can be hydraulically movable between open and closed positions. By attaching the construction equipment accessory to construction equipment with the construction equipment attachment portion, an operator can move elongate objects such as pipes, poles, and erosion control products.

Abstract: A water bottle lifting and rotating device includes a base supporting a pair of rolling wheels and forwardly extending supports. The base further supports a vertically extending mast upon which a bottle clasp is lifted and lowered by a cable arrangement. A drive motor also supported on the base is operative in combination with the pulley and cable arrangement to raise and lower the bottle clasp and thereby raise and lower a captive water bottle. The bottle clasp supporting a water bottle is automatically rotated to an inverted position by a gear and gear rack arrangement operative between the mast and the bottle clasp.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the surface to assist caregivers. The auxiliary wheel assembly comprises auxiliary wheels and an actuator operably coupled to the auxiliary wheels. A controller adjusts the actuator based on input from a sensing system so that frictional forces acting between the auxiliary wheels and the surface are sufficient for steering and maneuvering of the patient transport apparatus, without sacrificing stability of the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.

Abstract: A lifting and transporting device for lifting a load and transporting the same transversely to the lifting direction includes a frame (2) which for picking up and lifting a load (15) extends around a load space (13) of specified size and a holder (3) for holding the load (15). The holder (3) is movable in lifting direction (9) relative to the frame (2), and includes a hoist (4) which is attached to the frame (2) transversely to the lifting direction (9) beside the load space (13), and includes a portion (25) extending on the load space side thereof, to which the holder (3) is attached, and which is equipped for lifting and lowering the holder (3) with the load (15) attached thereto.

Abstract: An adjustable support apparatus used to support a person in a specific position over an extended period of time, and method of using the same. The apparatus has a base, an adjustable plate clamp assembly with upper and lower plates, a pivot within the apertures of the plates and adjustably retained between the plates, and a support member attached to the pivot and adapted to support a load. The adjustable plate clamp assembly has upper and lower plates. The upper plate has a central upper aperture, a first end pivotally attached to the base, and a second end. The lower plate has a central lower aperture, a first end, and a second end pivotally attached to the second end of the upper plate. The first end of the lower plate bears against the base, the plates together form an acute angle, and the apertures are aligned with one another.

Abstract: A method for moving a reel of packaging material from a storage station to a supply station of a packaging unit involves clamping a peripheral edge of reel by using a pair of clamping elements of a clamping unit, rotating clamping elements relative to the reel, and supporting the reel on the pair of clamping elements by interacting with a portion of reel radially inner with respect to circumferential edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open top generally rectangular hopper for the delivery and discharge of a flowable material. The hopper has lower side walls which converge inwardly and downwardly and are joined to a bottom plate. The hopper also has a bracket mounted on the exterior of the back vertical wall for securing the hopper container to the arm of a transport vehicle. A discharge chute is located on the lower portion of the front vertical wall about equidistant between the downwardly and inwardly converging lower sidewalls. In certain embodiments, an anti-spill lip surrounds the perimeter of the hopper opening and is angled between 30° to 90° inwardly from the vertical walls.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a shuttle bin includes an upper frame, a lower frame hingeably connected to the upper frame, a storage body operatively connected to the upper frame for storing material and a roller assembly operatively connected to the upper frame. The roller assembly is adapted to draw the storage body taut to unload the material stored in the storage body as the upper frame hinges away from the lower frame. The storage body may be formed of a pliable material such as a mesh or canvas.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a crucible handling device that can firmly sandwich and reliably move a quartz glass crucible under a clean environment and a method of handling a quartz glass crucible using the crucible handling device.

Abstract: A reusable up-ending device for loading or unloading nuclear fuel assembly shipping packages. The device has a translating base mounted to a fixed beam structure and two stabilizing arms affixed to a mounting fixture on the base that is secured to the operating floor. The stabilizing arms include a spring dampener and have a simple elbow joint that straightens after the package is up righted. Translation is achieved by means of a hand adjustable lead screw and enables the base to be most advantageously positioned. The shipping package is inserted into pivot mount blocks located at the front of the base and the package is secured at the pivot mount blocks by means of a trunnion and at the support arms by means of a locking pin. Once the package is up-righted the elbows on the support arms are locked in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least partly inverting an object, the apparatus having a support for supporting the object, a first guide and a pivotally mounted second guide. A first and second tracking device each positioned in fixed location relative to the support. A moving means, such as a drive unit moves the support. In operation, the first tracking device move in a first direction along or within the first guide and continued operation of the moving means in the first direction causes the second tracking device to enter the second guide, and further continued operation of the moving means in the first direction causes the first tracking device to continue moving in the first guide in the first direction and causes the second tracking device to move along the second guide and to cause pivotal movement of the second guide to thereby tilt the support.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a shuttle bin includes an upper frame, a lower frame hingeably connected to the upper frame, a storage body operatively connected to the upper frame for storing material and a roller assembly operatively connected to the upper frame. The roller assembly is adapted to draw the storage body taut to unload the material stored in the storage body as the upper frame hinges away from the lower frame. The storage body may be formed of a pliable material such as a mesh or canvas.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a shuttle bin includes an upper frame, a lower frame hingeably connected to the upper frame, a storage body operatively connected to the upper frame for storing material and a roller assembly operatively connected to the upper frame. The roller assembly is adapted to draw the storage body taut to unload the material stored in the storage body as the upper frame hinges away from the lower frame. The storage body may be formed of a pliable material such as a mesh or canvas.

Abstract: A motorized cart for lifting and transporting a drum. The cart includes a frame defining at its forward end a rearward-extending frame recess for receiving a drum, a feature for engaging the lower end of a drum and supporting the drum within the frame recess, another feature for engaging an upper end of the drum when received in the frame recess, first wheels at the lower extent of the frame, and non-driven wheels above and rearward of the first wheels. At least one of the first wheels is a drive wheel disposed adjacent the left or right side of the frame. A drive system includes a motor, a clutch for selectively engaging the motor with the drive wheel, and a battery for providing power to the motor and clutch. The motor is controlled to vary the rotational speed and direction of the drive wheel, and power from the battery can be controlled to enable the cart to be manually or self-propelled.

Abstract: A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle above the floor surface. A base with casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The cradle can be rotated and locked in a vertical or horizontal position for cylinder insertion and removal in EMS vehicles with either a vertical or a horizontal stowage compartment. When handling a horizontal cylinder stowage situation, an embodiment of the cradle features a retractable foot to allow the cylinder to be slid from the cradle into the compartment bottom first. Another embodiment has a fixed foot and allows the cylinder to be slid from the cradle into the compartment top first. Safety interlocks are provided to prevent rotation of the cradle if the foot is in the wrong position with respect to the horizontal orientation of the cradle.

Abstract: A lift mechanism includes a balance structure configured to hold an object, wherein the balance structure is rotateably connected to an arm structure at a pivot point. The pivot point is configured, and the object is positioned, such that the pivot point is substantially coincident with the center-of-mass of the object being moved. Weights may be selectively attached to the balance structure to adjust the center-of-mass. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism includes a base and an arm configured to rotate with respect to the base, wherein the arm is attached to the balance structure at the pivot point. In this way, heavy objects may be lifted, translated, and rotated into place safely in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The container handling device may include features useful for supporting a container (e.g., an open top rectangular bin) while the container is being filled, and supporting the container when tipping the container to empty contents of the container. The container handling device includes features that improve safe handling of the container when emptying. The container handling device also includes features that provide improved assembly and disassembly of various features for the purposes of, for example, manufacturing, shipping, replacing parts, and conducting maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to a lifting device on a transport vehicle for handling a container, the apparatus comprising two arms. At least one arm comprises a first generally C-shaped latch member having a first opening sized to allow a passage of a latching projection therethrough. The at least one arm also comprises a second generally C-shaped latch member rotatably nested inside the first latch member. The second latch member has a second opening sized to allow the passage of the latching projection therethrough and has an inner contact surface shaped to receive the latching projection on the side of the container. The at least one arm also comprises rotating means to selectively rotate each of the second latch members with respect to the first latch member between a capture position, a locking position and a dumping position.

Abstract: Refuse collection apparatus including a collection container grasping mechanism and a lifting and dumping mechanism. The grasping mechanism includes a pair of grasping arms mounted for movement between an at-rest position and a grasping position, springs attached to the grasping arms so as to bias the grasping arms into the at-rest position, and a first hydraulic cylinder attached to an activating element for moving the grasping arms from the at-rest position into the grasping position. The lifting and dumping mechanism is coupled to the grasping mechanism for moving the grasping mechanism from a refuse container grasping position to a dumping position. The lifting and dumping mechanism includes elongated linking arms and a driving hydraulic cylinder coupled in a four point movement for simultaneously lifting and rotating the grasping mechanism from the refuse container grasping position into the dumping position.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying containers of fruit and vegetable produce, wherein a tipping device receives a container, tips the container, and unloads the container onto a conveying device for feeding the container in a given traveling direction and along a path extending between an input station connecting with the tipping device, and an emptying station for emptying the container; the path being of a length, measured parallel to the traveling direction, at least equal to the length of the container, also measured parallel to the traveling direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading packages, parcels, postal items, baggage, etc., from a container having an open side. The apparatus has a sliding wall that is disposed over the open side of the container when the container is receiving within the apparatus. The apparatus, along with the container, is tilted such that the open side of the container is generally directed downward. From this tilted orientation, the sliding wall of the apparatus is withdrawn, incrementally exposing the open side of the container, permitting the controlled egress of the packages, etc., from the container.

Abstract: A telescopic boom (1) for a vehicle (25) or a hoist with a storage rack (6) for at least two box girders (2, 3) guided displaceably in one another in the direction of their longitudinal axes, which are mounted to pivot about a horizontal pivot axle (5) in the storage rack (6) and which can be displaced reciprocally by means of a servo-drive (19) is described. In order to create advantageous structural conditions it is proposed that the longitudinal axles of the box girders (2, 3) form an upwards arched arc of a circle (4) which runs concentrically to a common axis parallel to the pivot axis (5).

Abstract: A tray unloader for rod-like articles of the tobacco industry includes a horizontally-movable, slidable carriage supporting an independently-driven tray inverting carrier arranged to pick up an upright full tray from a receiving position and invert it during movement to an unloading position. In the unloading position articles are received directly over opposed horizontal bands having a delivery channel between confronting ends and defining the initial level at which articles are received over most of the width of the tray. Downstream of the channel is a conveyor which operates at a relatively high rate during a first phase of unloading for each tray and at a reduced rate during a second phase, so as to allow controlled emptying of the tray and establishment of the residual level of articles in the channel after completion of unloading of each tray.

Abstract: A dumper apparatus and method for transferring bulk parts from a parts container into a receptacle includes an outer hopper having a parts container cradle pivotally mounted therein. The hopper is swung up from an upright front end up position while the cradle is thereby also simultaneously pivoted thereby by a linkage from a horizontal position, causing the parts to be dumped from the container into the hopper and thence from the hopper into the receptacle as the hopper reaches a front end downwardly inclined position.

Abstract: A plant for unloading stacks (5) of thermoformed products from a cage (4) containing stacks (5), which comprises a support structure (2), at least one support plate (3) for a respective cage (4) containing stacks (5), which is mounted for rotation on the support structure (2), reversible motor (8) to cause the support platen (3) to effect angular movements of a preset amplitude around a horizontal axis, so as to angularly move its respective containing cage (4) between an erect position, in which the stacks (5) of thermoformed products contained therein extend in a substantially vertical direction, and an inclined unloading position, expeller bar (12) designed to expel stacks (5) of thermoformed objects from the cage (4) when the support plate (3) is in inclined unloading position, and a conveyer (20) for receiving stacks (4) of thermoformed objects unloaded from the containing cage (4) located downstream of the unloading position of the support plate (3).

Abstract: A counter latch system and method of operation of a hopper having a payload and a latch moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the system and method including unlatching a latch of the hopper into the unlatched position and deploying a counter latch to maintain the latch in the unlatched position prior to dumping. The hopper is subsequently responsively returned into the latched position as the hopper is returned from dumping the payload.

Abstract: A container for storing bulk material including a base wall, first and second end walls and a pair of sidewalls for forming an opened top enclosure. The container is transportable and tiltable between a generally upright storage position and a tilted dumping position either manually or through the use of a conventional forklift truck. The base and sidewalls define respectively first and second abutment walls both recessing inwardly and being formed integrally with the remainder of the container. The lifting tines of the forklift truck are adapted to contact the first abutment walls for supporting the container in its generally upright position. The sidewalls also define a recessed section allowing the container to pivot about a pivot location located generally about the center of mass of the container between the upright position and the tilted position wherein the lifting tines abuttingly contact the second abutment walls.

Abstract: A cargo bin dumping system wherein there is provided a cargo bin as disclosed in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the addition of first and second lateral receiving stinger tubes for the engagement of a stinger therethrough, so as to facilitate the safe, and efficient dumping of the contents of a cargo basket into a waste bin or the like utilizing an ordinary forklift. A stinger specifically designed to work with the present system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for unloading a mail piece container, open at the top, with sidewalls that slant toward the outside, that is loaded with mail pieces that stand upright next to one another. According to the invention, the mail piece stack, after having been compressed, is held by holding supports that are inserted into the container and that feature driven revolving conveyor bands. While the supports are being inserted, the conveyor bands are driven in such a way that the conveyor band segments in contact with the mail piece stack are motionless with respect to the mail pieces. Next, the container is tilted by >90° along with the mail pieces and the holding supports. After the container is tilted back somewhat, a base plate is inserted and the whole ensemble is tilted back to the point where the stack stands on the horizontally positioned base plate. Then the container is removed towards the bottom.

Abstract: A Bulk Mail Container (BMC) unloader uses a simple crossed four bar-linkage to move a predetermined point on a BMC unloader in a substantially straight line while the overall BMC unloader rotates about that predetermined point so as to upend the BMC container. This takes advantage of the crossed four-bar's substantially straight-line motion over a limited range of its motion, as well as the rotational motion of the particular unloader link disclosed herein. This is advantageous for unloading. In use, a BMC container is simply rolled into the BMC unloader, and the entire combination of the BMC container and BMC unloader is then actuated to produce substantially straight line motion along a suitably selected “center” point of the BMC unloader while the overall combination rotates about the center point so as to upend the BMC for unloading.

Abstract: Successive individual filled trays or successive groups of filled trays for stacks of parallel cigarettes are transported by a carriage from a source at a first level to a higher second level, and their contents are dumped into the magazine of a packing machine. The thus emptied tray(s) is or are returned to the first level and is or are expelled from the carriage, at least indirectly and/or at least in part, by the next following filled tray(s). The expelled emptied tray(s) is or are lowered into a storage facility at a level beneath the first level. The carriage has open front and rear sides for admission of filled trays through the front side and for expulsion of emptied trays through the rear side.

Abstract: A Bulk Mail Container (BMC) unloader uses a simple crossed four bar-linkage to move a predetermined point on a BMC unloader in a substantially straight line while the overall BMC unloader rotates about that predetermined point so as to upend the BMC container. This takes advantage of the crossed four-bar's substantially straight-line motion over a limited range of its motion, as well as the rotational motion of the particular unloader link disclosed herein. This is advantageous for unloading. In use, a BMC container is simply rolled into the BMC unloader, and the entire combination of the BMC container and BMC unloader is then actuated to produce substantially straight line motion along a suitably selected “center” point of the BMC unloader while the overall combination rotates about the center point so as to upend the BMC for unloading.