Abstract: Cargo trailer aligning apparatus is provided for aligning a loading track on the floor of a cargo trailer with a loading track on the floor of a loading dock. The tracks are aligned both vertically and horizontally. The aligning apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart aligning ramps which are positioned beneath the loading dock surface for interaction with a pair of spaced apart aligning legs which extend downwardly from the rear of the cargo trailer. The interaction occurs as the cargo trailer is backed up to the loading dock.

Abstract: It is necesary to supply electronic components to a precise location in a transfer station 26, the components being supplied in a plurality of magazines 22 e.g. for a component placement machine. Desirably the magazines may be readily exchanged without significant time being taken in setting up the magazine position accurately. Suitably the magazines are mounted on a turntable 24 each magazine having a location mark 362 positioned accurately relative to a transfer position 286. Drive structure 264 moves the turntable 24 to present the transfer position 286 of the magazine 22 at the transfer station 26 and sensing structure 358 senses the mark 362 when the supply structure 18 is in a characterizing mode. Information supplied by the sensing structure 358 determines when the transfer position 286 is at a precise location of the transfer station 26.

Abstract: A truck restraining apparatus has a vertically extending jackscrew (18) to which a follower nut (38) is mounted. A hook shaped restraining member (36) is resiliently coupled to the follower nut and moves therewith when the jackscrew is rotated. The hook shaped member engages the ICC bar of a truck to restrain it from moving, while the resilient coupling compensates for float.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for coupling two bodies able to move relatively with respect to each other by a given incertainty of amplitude, essentially characterized in that it comprises, on a first body, a projecting part having an end section of determined value and members for controlling the displacement of said projecting part with respect to said first body, and, on the second body, a cavity having an inlet opening whose section has dimensions larger than those of the end of the projecting part, the valve of the difference between these two sections being at least equal to that of the given incertainty, and members for exerting at least one couple of reaction forces between said projecting part and the inner wall of said cavity. The invention is more particularly applicable to the systems for coupling carriages and work stations in so-called flexible workshops.

Abstract: A dock leveler assembly and latch mechanism therefor are provided which are adapted to automatically cause unlatching of components thereof if the assembly is activated without a vehicle being present or if the vehicle moves away from a dock; thus enabling the assembly to readily return to an inoperative mode position.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of space utilization in a palletized goods store in which loaded pallets (1) are arranged in rows (2, 3) with alleys (4) therebetween, each loaded pallet (1) is carried on a wheeled trolley (7A). Where it is required to introduce a loaded pallet (1A) into a space (10) present anywhere along each row (2), the wheeled trolleys are arranged to move transversely of a row whereby the loaded pallet (1A) can first be transported by a fork lift truck (11) down an alley (4) opposite to said space (10), and then moved transversely on a wheeled trolley (7A) into said space (10). In this manner, it is unnecessary for the truck (11) to effect a quarter-turn in the alley (4) whereby the latter can be of a much smaller width than normal. Where the store is to be operated on a first-in, first-out basis, the wheeled trolleys in a row are arranged for movement longitudinally of the row.

Abstract: A load transfer device for palletized loads including a superstructure supporting a movable assembly having a plurality of teeth, and a lifting assembly associated with the teeth to provide for rapid load transfer. The transfer device includes a sighting mechanism to control the alignment of the superstructure, lateral jacks to correct the alignment of the superstructure, and a central pivot which authorizes a transverse displacement of the superstructure and/or rotation in its plane.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint to be mounted on a loading dock for preventing accidental movement of a vehicle, such as a truck, from the dock during a loading operation. A hydraulic cylinder unit is connected through a flexible member, such as a chain, to a hook-like restraining member. By extending and retracting the hydraulic cylinder unit, the restraining member can be moved between the lower storage position and an upper operative position where it engages the ICC bar of the truck. In addition, a resilient member, such as a gas spring, is operably connected to the chain at a location between the attachment of the hydraulic cylinder to the chain and the attachment of the chain to the restraining member. The resilient nature of the gas spring will permit limited movement of the chain to accommodate vertical float of the ICC bar and truck bed during a loading operation.

Abstract: The leveler is positioned upon the flat top surface of the truck apron at some predetermined position in front of the dock. In the down position the surface cover plate of the leveler is parallel with the flat top surface of the truck apron. The lifting is provided by hydraulic cylinders secured to the leveler inwardly from the rear whereby avoiding interference with ancillary dock equipment. Thus, an aperture can be provided in the rear to accommodate a truck restraining device.

Abstract: An improved vehicle restraint for preventing movement of the vehicle such as a truck away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint includes a guide frame mounted on the front face of the loading dock and a carriage or slide is moved vertically on the guide frame by a fluid cylinder unit between a lower storage position and an upper operative position. A restraining member is movably mounted with respect to the slide and is biased to an inoperative position where the restraining member is disposed beneath the level of the upper surface of the slide. Extending the cylinder unit will move the slide upwardly into engagement with the ICC bar on the truck and further extension of the cylinder unit after engagement of the slide with the ICC bar will move the restraining member from the inoperative position to an operative position above the level of the slide to thereby provide an obstruction to prevent the truck from pulling away from the loading dock.

Abstract: A guided vehicle, which follows a guidepath into and out from a work station, is provided with an article carrying table that includes a plurality of cone shaped mounting plates each disposed upon a ball transport unit to provide for relative movement between the article carrier, any article carried thereby, and the body of the vehicle. Each side, of two opposed sides, of the article carrier mounts a number of guide wheels; including entry guide wheels larger in diameter than side guide wheels, with the entry wheels disposed proximate carriers of the carrier and side wheels disposed therebetween. Guide rails disposed at the work station cooperate with the guide wheels to effect relative movement between the article carrier and vehicle body if the vehicle enters the work station out of a centered alignment therewith.

Abstract: An automatic level device for sensing the height and pitch of an aircraft and for adjusting a loader platform to align with the aircraft. An umbilical cord connected between the platform and the aircraft includes a tube partially filled with mercury and having a plurality of electrodes spaced along one end of the tube. As the height of the aircraft changes the mercury contacts a different number of electrodes and the electrodes provide signals for adjusting the level of the platform and aligning the platform with the aircraft.

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: Apparatus and methods for transferring articles, such as concrete blocks, from a conveyor to a curing kiln and return comprise a carriage movable along a path leading from the block conveyor to any selected one of a number of curing kilns. The carriage supports a rotary turntable on which is mounted a transfer vehicle provided with article supporting forks that are vertically movable so as to shift articles off and onto the block conveyor, deposit the articles within the kiln, and retrieve the articles from the kiln. The transfer vehicle is movable horizontally relatively to the turntable to enable the article supporting forks to overlie the block conveyor, and the transfer vehicle also is movable horizontally relatively to the turntable and carriage into and out of the selected kiln.

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: An apparatus for stopping a truck such as a larry car for coke oven operation at a preselected position in relation to an object such as a coke oven. The apparatus includes stopping members such as blocks placed along the path of movement of the truck and a clamping mechanism carried by the truck and adapted to cooperate with one of the blocks to locate and stop the truck. The clamping mechanism includes a pair of levers swingable about axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the truck by the operation of a fluid-operated cylinder and adapted to clamp the selected block from the front and rear sides of the block. In operation, the truck is temporarily stopped by a brake at such a position that the selected block is positioned between two levers and then the levers are swung toward each other to clamp the block therebetween to locate and stop the truck precisely at the designated position. During the running of the truck, the levers are laterally swung to clear the blocks.

Abstract: System for storing and transporting guided missiles and similar flying bodies includes a storage building and movable storage structures for supporting multiple guided missiles. The storage building is sized so that a row of the storage structures can be arranged along one side wall of the storage building with the normal travel direction of the structures being arranged transversely of the direction of the row and of the adjacent side wall. In the row, the storage structures are closely spaced so that there is no walkway between them. A passageway is provided within the storage building along the row of storage structures so that each storage structure can be moved out of the row without moving adjacent storage structures and then turned on a minimum turning circle in the passageway for movement out of the storage building.

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: 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: 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 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.