Abstract: A cans exchanging system whereby, out of cans arranged in plural rows in the longitudinal direction of a spinning frame, plural empty cans arranged in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the spinning frame are carried out from the rows of cans, and plural full-loaded cans are carried in simultaneously to the carried-out position of the empty cans. A sliver piecing device for piecing together slivers, from sliver feeding cans to a spinning machine and slivers from full-loaded cans while carrying both cans on a cans exchanging carrier is mounted on the cans exchanging carrier.

Abstract: A slip sheet for use with bulk containers and a method of use of such slip sheet. An empty bulk container is detachably secured to a slip sheet including one or more movable edges. The slip sheet and container can be manipulated and transported with a forklift or similar machinery. The slip sheet can be easily detached from the container after use via the movable edges.

Abstract: A method of changing a load supported by a first pallet to a second pallet comprises placing the first pallet supporting the load adjacent a stop member rigidly mounted on a floor surface, the stop member having an opening at a lower end sufficient for the pallet to slide under the stop member and having an abutting surface above the opening for engaging a side of the load on the first pallet. The first pallet is first positioned so that it has a rear edge facing the stop member opening and a front edge on an opposite side facing away from the stop member. A spacer member is placed under the front edge of the first pallet to raise the front edge of the first pallet above the level of the second pallet, the spacer member being moveable inwardly toward the stop member along with the first pallet.

Abstract: Trailer-mounted apparatus of the type with a platform that can rotate on a central fifth wheel-like support with a vertical axis, particularly for the loading and handling of coop frames for poultry and the like, which includes: a substantially rectangular rotating platform which is driven by a motor; two fifth wheel-like supports with a vertical axis which are individually driven with a preset rotation angle by individual independent motors; and a horizontal secondary frame which is anchored to each one of the two end fifth wheels, and which has a retention sidewall for accommodating in succession a frame of coops to be loaded with poultry while another coop frame, arranged on the secondary frame that is rigidly associated with the opposite fifth wheel, is being loaded; each coop frame to be filled is arranged on the rotating secondary frame located opposite to the one that supports the coop frame during loading so that its longer longitudinal axis is orientated like the longitudinal axis of the platform by

Abstract: A pallet for use in transporting a container housing a particulate material, the container having a gate for releasing the particulate material from the container. The pallet includes a frame member for receiving the container, a hopper mounted to the frame member for receiving the particulate material from the container when the container gate is open, an conveyor having a feed end and a discharge end, the feed end of the conveyor being fixedly mounted to the hopper for transporting the particulate material from the hopper to the discharge end of the conveyor to fill a desired target with the particulate material, and a drive system for driving the conveyor.

Abstract: A modular storing and dispensing assembly (20) for a plurality of large containers (21) of substantial weight. The modular assembly (20) comprises a container support track mechanism (24) supporting the containers (21) for movement toward a dispensing station (26). An enclosure (27) substantially encloses the track mechanism (24) and all of the containers (21). The track mechanism (24) and the enclosure (27) are both coupled to a modular frame (32) for movement thereof as a unit. The modular frame (32) is mounted on a vehicle (23) and can be used as a free-standing storing and dispensing unit. In an embodiment, the track mechanism (24) includes a conveyor-type assembly (35) extending about a predetermined path (34) substantially along the full transverse dimension of the vehicle (23). The conveyor mechanism (35) includes a conveyor drive mechanism (105) and a flexible transport device (111) movably coupled to the drive mechanism (105).

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for securing an implement to a rigid longitudinally extended lifting member. A representative embodiment comprises a clamp that can be mounted to a forklift implement and/or socket for receiving a lifting member. A working surface engages the lifting surface of the lifting member. A cam is pivotably mounted on an axis transverse to and displaced from the working surface. The cam has an outwardly radiating spiraled engagement lobe that presses against the under-surface of the lifting member so as to press the lifting member between the working surface and the cam. Thus, the cam allows the clamp to be moved rearwardly but not forwardly on the lifting member. The cam, which is biased, can be characterized by having a fixed axis, being self-locking, and/or having a constant contact angle with the underside of the lifting member.

Abstract: In a device for compacting stacks of die-cuts and correcting their position on a conveyor-feeder with at least one belt, the single stacks are supported and elevated by a structure operating directly adjacent to the belt and affording a surface which ensures stable support to the stack while offering minimal resistance to the movements occasioned in positioning; the compacting action is produced by pairs of moving plates which flank the supporting and elevating station on all sides and impinge on the vertical faces of the stack in directions coinciding with the transverse and longitudinal axes of the belt.

Abstract: A system is provided for transporting large glass sheets or blanks. A-frame stanchions are removably secured to a base section to form a rack for carrying stacks of sheets supported on edge upon the base. The base section is supported above the floor or supporting surface by spacer sections which define a corridor beneath the base for removably receiving a transport dolly. The transport dolly includes lift platforms positionable beneath frame members of the base section. Inflatable air bags are adapted to raise and lower the lift platforms for selectively raising the rack to permit it to be moved about on the transport dolly. A steerable wheel arrangement is provided at the forward end of the transport dolly. Stacking posts are provided at the corners of the base whereby when empty, the A-frame stanchions can be disassembled and the racks stacked in nested relationship for return shipment and storage.

Abstract: Lift truck accessories for stacking and moving stacks of tires are disclosed. The tire-stacking device includes an elongated platform upon which a plurality of tires may be placed side by side when the device is in its horizontal position. The tire-stacking device can be raised by the lifting apparatus of a lift truck from its horizontal position to a vertical position. When in its vertical position, the stack of tires is supported by a clamping arrangement that is attached to the base end of the tire-stacking device. A second embodiment of the invention is a tire transporter that is always maintained in a vertical position but includes a clamping arrangement which is similar to the tire-stacking device. The tire transporter is relatively shorter than the kite-stacking device and enables a lift truck operator to move stacks of tires through low-clearance areas such as under doorways as well as into and out of trucks.

Abstract: The present invention is a compressed gas cylinder carrier for retaining and transporting a plurality of such cylinders. The carrier includes a cage or framework having a base and top interconnected by a plurality of vertical bars. The base includes slide rails on which is slideably mounted a sled that can move between opposite ends of the carrier within the framework thereof. The sled has a base and a sidewall portion integral there with and extending upward there from. The sled base and sidewall form a cylinder retaining space. One carrier end has a hinged door for providing access to the interior of the carrier. A strap extends around the sled and is engaged through an adjustable buckle secured to the door. The top end of the carrier has a roof structure for forming a forklift receiving cavity. In operation, the present invention is sized to retain a plurality of compressed gas cylinders.

Abstract: An article handling mechanism for attachment to warehouse trucks or the like includes an article loading platform, a frame secured to the loading platform forming a rack, a generally horizontal member which is movably mounted for vertical movement with respect to substantially perpendicular sides of the frame; and a horizontally movable ram which moves within the frame from front to rear for ejecting articles under compression. The horizontal member is movable toward the platform to compress articles loaded on the platform and is movable away from the platform to increase the loading area of the resultant rack.

Abstract: A portable mini silo system for delivering dry mortar blends to batch mixers is disclosed. Such system includes a silo that is constructed for portable transport to a construction site, while providing support for the silo at the construction site, through the use of telescopic leg elements. The telescopic leg elements are suitably reinforced and mounted to the silo to provide both lateral offset and reinforcement. A collapsible ladder is attached to one of the telescopic leg elements for collapse and extension as one of the leg elements is collapsed and extended. The collapsible ladder, when extended at a construction site, enables a user to load dry mortar blends into the silo. A platform is also attached to the silo side wall and cooperates with the collapsible ladder to enable a user to climb the ladder and stand on the platform, thus facilitate loading and checking the contents of the silo.

Abstract: A processing apparatus 10 has chambers 11 and 12 and a loading mechanism 13 for transferring workpieces into and out of the chambers. The workpieces are carried on a pallet 16 which is slotted so that, when it is inserted into the chambers 11 or 12 the slots are aligned with lines A-H on lifting pins. This arrangement enables the mechanism 13 to withdraw the pallet, whilst the pins 22 are in their erect position.

Abstract: A pallet handling platten system of the invention includes an auxiliary platten unit. The auxiliary platten unit comprises a pair of auxiliary plattens 30 normally stowable beneath the level of the load bearing surfaces of primary plattens 5 of the system. Devices 74,72 are provided for lifting the auxiliary plattens 30 to a first elevated level, for moving the auxiliary plattens 30 laterally of the system while not under load, and for lifting them when so extended to a second elevated level to take the load of the pallet. The primary plattens 5 of the system are then withdrawn while the load is supported on the auxiliary plattens, but the auxiliary plattens do not themselves move laterally under load.

Abstract: Method for loading stacks of sheet material into a packaging machine feeding unit, including the transfer of pallets for carrying the stacks of sheet material onto supporting plates, which are rotatably mounted on a fixed frame of the feeding unit and which are arranged in a raised receiving position; the actuation of the supporting plates, at the end of the step of feeding the stacks onto the unit, from the raised receiving position to a lowered position for releasing the emptied pallets into an underlying removal station; and the return of the supporting plates to the raised receiving position. The device for loading stacks of sheet material into a packaging machine feeding unit includes supporting plates for supporting pallets for carrying the stacks of sheet material.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for a roller conveyor for efficiently accommodating two-way pallets. The arrangement includes a interim parking station in proximity to the initial and/or final end region of the roller conveyor. The interim parking station includes a parking surface characterized by a pair of spaced apart recesses to receive the forks of a forklift device. Thus, a two-way pallet can be picked up at a remote location by a forklift device in the conventional manner with the forks of the forklift device passing into spaces between adjacent scantlings of the pallet. The forklift device can then deposit the two-way pallet onto the scantlings. The same forklift device or a separate forklift device passing into spaces between adjacent scantlings of the pallet. The forklift device can then deposit the two-way pallet onto the scantlings.

Abstract: A dumping hopper and truck trailer washing stand used in connection with cleaning the interior of a truck trailer. The hopper and stand together form a trailer washing apparatus. The stand includes support legs that extend from a ground surface to a platform. Beneath the platform is a container storage area where the hopper can be positioned beneath the platform. To clean the interior of a truck trailer, a truck is positioned adjacent to the stand while the hopper is located below the platform. Waste material is washed from the interior of the trailer and onto the stand's platform. The waste material falls through a grate on the platform and into the hopper located below the stand. A frame structure on the hopper enables the hopper to be transported and vertically positioned by a fork lift. The hopper has a loading position where the hopper is in an upright position with waste material held therein and a dumping position where the hopper is in a tilted-downward position.

Abstract: A refrigerated container for receiving, storing, and transporting materials without necessity of personnel contacting the materials after deposit in the container. The container is particularly adapted for use with medical wastes which may contain infectious materials. The container comprises a lower portion and a lid portion. The container lower portion includes an open-topped inner box for holding waste materials, and an open-topped insulated outer box surrounding and spaced apart from the inner box forming an annular space therebetween. The lid is releasably attached to the outer box and has doors for access into the inner box of the container. A refrigeration unit and air circulation fan are attached to the lid, and are in communication with the annular space for cooling the inner box by circularing refrigerated air through the annular space.

Abstract: A lightweight, small portable hopper for bulk materials that is removably mountable on a tractor trailer is disclosed. Such trailer includes a trailer bed that is formed with a central opening, and the hopper is usable on it while also leaving space for transporting other items. The hopper includes an upright body with an inner surface that includes plural regions defining a bulk-material storage space. The body also includes a generally downwardly converging section that is supportably positionable on the trailer bed through the central opening, with a subsection terminating with a dispensing port. Also included is internal bracing structure attached to generally opposing regions of the inner surface of the body, and extending across the bulk-material storage space to promote self-supportability of the hopper when it is loaded. The internal bracing structure may include plural, laterally spaced, horizontally-positioned first braces attached to corresponding, generally opposing regions of the inner surface.

Abstract: A dumping container for collecting, transporting and dumping primarily ashes removed from an incinerator. A pair of pivoted fore and aft frame members, of hollow box like crossection engage the tines of a manual cable operated hoist. The cable hoist provides the mobility needed to transport the dumping container to the incinerator, elevate it to the open top receiving vessel, and provide tilting and dumping in cooperation with a pair of hooking members on the bottom of the dumping container and the pivotal action of the dumping container fore and aft frame members. An integral water spray bar, connectable to an external water supply, provides water to wet down the ashes during the removal operation.

Abstract: Augmented for the prior art environment of a cargo-loadable horizontal rectangular flatbed rectangularly areally defined by a pair of longitudinal-edges and a pair of shorter transverse-edges, an upwardly erectable confinement system for loads and which at said upwardly erected confinement-condition is structurally attainable by: pivotably attached to the flatbed two transverse-edges, rectangular and pivotably erectable endgates which respectively also include pivotable longitudinally lengthy parallel arms; along each flatbed longitudinal-edge, a pair of pivotably uprightable posts respectively including a tines-receiveable opening therethrough; removable attachments between each uprightable post and its neighboring loftily-erected longitudinally-lengthy arm; and possibly also, bracing means between adjacently parallel longitudinally-lengthy arms and braceable struts for each pivotably uprighted post.

Abstract: A collection container adapted to be lifted and emptied with a grasping device. The container forms an enclosure with two sections each having a projection and being pivotally connected to each other. The sections are held together with a spring. The container includes an opening to receive objects. The spring tension is set so that the grasping device can lift the container by the projections without the section separating. The projections are angled on the enclosure so that if the grasping device were to squeeze the projections together the two sections would pivotally open and dump the objects in a bin. A trough is coupled to a slot on the container to prevent the container's contents from being pilfered.

Abstract: A supporting framework for a soft-sided bulk bag containing a quantity of bulk dry material, the bag having four loop-type straps positioned at the corners of its top, includes a bird cage-like framework with four hook members for securing the bag straps thereto and a pair of U-shaped rails for receiving the blades of a forklift truck. The bird cage-like structure fits over the top of the bulk bag so that the bulk bag may be secured thereto and the framework and bag subsequently lifted and handled from its top instead of its bottom as in the prior art. Additionally, a generally horizontally extending bracket lip surrounds the bird cage-like framework to facilitate its being lifted and set down into place on a batch weighing apparatus or the like for controlled dispensing of the bulk dry material through a pour spout located in the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for a roller conveyor for efficiently accommodating two-way pallets. The arrangement includes a interim parking station in proximity to the initial and/or final end region of the roller conveyor. The interim parking station includes a parking surface characterized by a pair of spaced apart recesses to receive the forks of a forklift device. Thus, a two-way pallet can be picked up at a remote location by a forklift device in the conventional manner with the forks of the forklift device passing into spaces between adjacent scantlings of the pallet. The forklift device can then deposit the two-way pallet onto the scantlings. The same forklift device or a separate forklift device can then approach the interim parking station with the forks of the forklift device aligned parallel to the recesses in the parking surface of the interim parking station. The forks can be inserted into these recesses and beneath the bottom surface of the pallet to enable the two-way pallet to be transferred.

Abstract: The hitching device of the present invention is adapted to connect an industrial vehicle to a load-carrying trailer to permit the vehicle to maneuver the load-carrying trailer. The industrial vehicle is of the type having a pair of forks which are substantially parallel to each other. The hitching device comprises a frame which is connectable to the load-carrying trailer by a connector. First and second bars are disposed on the frame remote from the connector. These bars lie substantially parallel to each other and substantially at right angles to the direction of travel of the forks of the vehicle. The bars are vertically and horizontally spaced from each other so that a gap is formed between them for receiving the forks. The second bar is disposed so that it lies vertically below the first bar, and so that it extends horizontally further from the connector than does the first bar when the forks are raised by the vehicle to a position which enables the vehicle to push or pull the load-carrying trailer.

Abstract: A collapsible car rack system for use in intermodal containers wherein each car rack is capable of carrying two automobiles. Each rack is configured so that two racks completely fill a standard 40 ft. intermodal container and each rack is also fitted with a dunnage device in order to extend the size of the rack to fill a standard 45 ft. intermodal container. Each rack is equipped with push plates and pulling eyes so that the loaded racks may be inserted into, and withdrawn from a standard intermodal container with a forklift. In use, each rack will accommodate two automobiles the first of which is driven onto the rack in a collapsed condition and after erecting a top portion of the rack with a forklift and securing by vertical support members, a second automobile is driven onto the lower portion of each rack. The erect rack, loaded with two automobiles is of a suitable size to be loaded into a standard intermodal container with a forklift.

Abstract: A self-propelled, counterbalanced, container transporter vehicle having a frame, a counterweight supported at the rear, an elevating upright, carriage pick-up and lift frame assembly for lifting, transporting and stacking containers in which a tower structure supports a cab providing an operator's station with controls for hydraulically raising and lowering the upright, the cab has a wide angle front window area that partially wraps around the operator's station to permit a horizontal line of sight to the maximum extension of the lift frame and is sloped back to afford high angle vision to the maximum vertical extension of the upright for high stacking containers.

Abstract: In the steel industry metal rods (18) are transported from a steel mill (1) to a consumer (7). During transport the rods (18) are subjected to rough treatment so that they are usually no longer straight upon arrival and must therefore be straightened. According to the invention the straightening step is eliminated by the rods (18) being placed in a magazine (3) which thus protects them during transport.

Abstract: A method for the facile filling of remotely located forms with cementitious materials. The method uses a transportable bin which is captively coupled to the arms of a skid loader. The bin includes a generally rectangular container having four vertical sides and an accessible interior truncated at a base and having a covered dispensing aperture at the bottom. The covered aperture is adapted to be actuable in situ by the skid loader operator using controls located within reach of the operator when the aperture is vertically disposed over a form to be filled.

Abstract: A clamp attachment for use with a lift truck for handling rail car bogies. The clamp attachment includes an upper frame that is attached to the carriage of the lift truck for upward and downward movement therewith. A lower frame is movably suspended from the upper frame by four chains. A pair of clamps assemblies are pivotally mounted on the lower frame and actuated by hydraulic cylinders to cause clamping and unclamping of the axles of the rail car bogie for the lifting and lowering of the rail car bogie. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are arranged to move the lower frame and clamp devices therewith into any desired direction for the maneuvering of the rail car bogie.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus for transporting heavy loads, particularly for transporting print product reels in the printing industry, has a frame (2) and at least one rigid axle or axle journal (6) with at least one wheel or roller (5). During transportation the apparatus is raised in such a way that only one horizontal transport load axle or one or more axle journal (6) located on an axial line exert an action. These axle journals (6) are arranged in a first area (17) of the outside of frame (2), the axial line being substantially at right angles to a line connecting the center of the frame to the first outside area. At least one lifting element (8) for supporting on the straddleforks (11) or forks of the vehicle (10) is, in a second area (18) of the outside of frame (2) facing the transport load axle, fixed to the frame.

Abstract: A storage device designed to store primarily elongate objects, and comprising on the one hand a frame and on the other an operating device arranged on a fork lift truck. The storage device is arranged in such a manner that it may be shifted between an essentially vertical space-saving storage position and a horizontal position allowing loading and unloading operations to be performed in a simplified manner.

Abstract: A sheet material handling frame comprises a plurality of base portions (18) for supporting material, such as sheet glass. A stanchion (16) extends from each base portion (18). The stanchions (16) are held in a spaced relationship by means of cross-bars (12, 14). Each stanchion (16) is formed with a slot in which a strap guide (24) is slideably movable. A securing strap passes inside the stanchion (16) through the hollow base (18) around the sheet material and over the strap guide (24). Thus, the strap guide is movable to accommodate different heights of material loaded on the frame. The frames are securable back-to-back to form a structure which is capable of carrying sheets of different sizes. When the sheet material is being loaded, the strap guide (24) is pivoted about a pair of retaining lugs into the slot so that it is out of the way. The strap guide (24) is provided with a hook-like recess (27) which is used to engage a retaining pin inside the slot when it is not in use.

Abstract: A mobile positionable service bench 20 comprising of a square U-configured base 22 and a vertical mast structure 56 mounted upright on a square U-configured base 22. A winch 68 mounted on vertical mast structure 56 and a cable 66 connected thereto and to the elevator assembly 75 is operable to raise and lower tool tray 105. Elevator assembly 75 is equipped with dollies 78a, 79a, 80a and 81a to maintain alignment and facilitate travel and load carrying capabilities. Tray support arms 97 will pivotally mount to elevator assembly 75 and provide lateral positioning capabilities of tool tray 105. Light bracket 121 on tool tray 105 will accept the stem base of light fixture 123 to illuminate the work area. Air chucks 161a, 161b, 161c and 161d and electric outlet box 152a, 152b, 152 c, and 152d provide outlets for either pneumatic or electrical tools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing a manbasket to the tines of a lifting fork of a forklift. A preferred embodiment comprises a tine clamp mounted to a tine socket on the manbasket. The clamp automatically applies a self-adjusting gripping force to the underside of the tine whenever the fork has elevated the manbasket and automatically releases the tine when the manbasket is resting upright on a reference surface. The tine clamp comprises a lever pivotably mounted at mid-length to the tine socket, at least one gripping cam rotatably mounted to one end of the lever, and a cam release member pivotably mounted to the opposite end of the lever. The lever is biased to keep the gripping edge surface of the cam in contact with the underside of the tine whenever the tine is in the socket and the manbasket is elevated. The cam has an outwardly spiraled profile to enable it to apply a gripping force to the tine that increases as the tine is urged more strongly out of the socket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and discharging bulk bags allowing dosage control is disclosed. A bulk bag is hung from a maneuverable frame with a pair of winches mounted thereon. After opening the bottom of the bag, actuation of the winches tightens a cable looped around the lower portion of the bag to restrict the flow of material out of the opening. A bulk bag specially adapted for the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implement mounting apparatus for use with utility tractors, lawn and garden tractors and riding front mowers and other vehicles which allows removable mounting and use of numerous attachments for performing multiple grounds maintenance, yard and lawn care or gardening functions. A support frame includes an upper member for positioning and a bottom member for supporting implements such as lift forks, a tool organizer, a work platform and housing body. The support frame is rigidly or pivotally mountable on a three-point hitch, a mounting/lift frame having a support strut, or a tow bar assembly. Wheels may be added for use of the apparatus with a tow bar as a trailer. The housing body is useful with a scraper blade as a plow, or may be easily converted to a hopper assembly or scoop by adding hopper or scoop members. The hopper assembly may be opened to dump contained material with a spring biased latch mechanism which may be locked closed. The scoop member is secured in position with the same latch mechanism.

Abstract: A hand truck for lifting and transporting objects. The truck includes an elongated frame attached to a wheel assembly. A carriage is mounted on the frame to travel the length of the frame. The carriage includes a load bed that extends across the frame, and at least one protrusion located below the load bed that extends above the load bed. A seizing arm is pivotally attached to the carriage above the load body and has a seizing arm with a grip point directed toward the load body. The seizing arm has a stem that extends beyond the pivot point attachment opposite the seizing arm body. A winch with cable are attached to the top of the frame. The free end of the cable is attached to the seizing arm stem. Retracting the cable causes the seizing arm to pivot so the grip point is forced against as object located on the carriage. The force of the seizing arm is sufficient to secure the object between the grip point and the carriage.

Abstract: A space-saving boat and automobile parking system for marinas uniquely utilizing a pallet for sequential storage of either a boat or an automobile whereby land and space requirements for vehicular parking are significantly diminished.

Abstract: The self-emptying container has relatively moveable parts (10, 11, 40, 41) normally secured together by a latch mechanism. In one embodiment, the container has an upright body (10) and a pivotal base (11). In another embodiment the body is a tipping skip or hopper (40) on a pallet base (41). The latch mechanism (19, 49) comprises a fore and aft flat bar (22, 52) pivoted at one end. The other end locates below the horizontal limb (29, 59) of an L shaped latch member (24, 54) which is lifted by the flat bar (22, 52) when an upward pressure is applied to the bar. That is done via lift apparatus such as a fork lift truck. The container is raised over a surface (S) and lowered onto that surface to pivot the flat bar (22, 52) upwards causing the latch member (24, 54) to release the relatively moveable parts to empty the container. In the first embodiment, the container is then raised so that the base pivots open. In the second embodiment the skip body 40 tips forward.

Abstract: Storage system for pallets, which is constructed from columns connected to one another by longitudinal and transverse girders. Channels for the storage of pallets are obtained in each compartment at different supporting levels. Mounted on the transverse girders in the longitudinal direction of each channel are rails on which a driven carriage can be moved through the channel in the longitudinal direction. The rails are mounted such that the wheel tracks are outside the dimension of the pallets. The carriage is equipped with wheel carrying arms at locations corresponding to the rail tracks and outside the pallet width and with a fork at such a height that the prongs can be inserted into the insertion orifices of the pallets.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of an automated material handling system for a cargo trailer which is integrated with an automated material handling system provided for a manufacturing assembly plant. The system for the cargo trailer includes a protective guard rail for bar-coded targets provided within the cargo trailer, modification of an automated lift truck which permits shifting of parts racks as they are loaded or unloaded from a cargo trailer and also exact positionment of parts racks with respect to an automated lift truck.

Abstract: A conveying system for trestle frames of scaffolds to be utilized and transported as well as stored in an upright position. The conveying system included holding rails of a rack-like structure, with the rails being arranged in pairs and engaging with teeth thereof beside ends of scaffold tubes and, respectively, lower cross connections of the trestle frames. The conveying system also includes lower holding rails provided with receiving recesses for cross connections of the trestle frames. The trestle frames can readily be threaded in place and the transport pallets can be taken up by forks of forklift truck through apertures provided in the trestle frame, with the apertures enabling the forks to be inserted in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereby facilitating handling and transportation of the transport pallets by forklift trucks.

Abstract: A support device of the present invention includes an expansible means attached to at least one of plural support systems for supporting an object. Even when the object has dimensional errors caused in its making process, therefore, the interval between the support systems which contact the object to be supported can be self- and micro-adjusted. This enables objects, different in shape, to be correctly positioned and supported.

Abstract: A double-decked apparatus has a base (4), and a movable deck (6) is rotatably connected, at one end, to one end of the base. Automobiles can be positioned on the base (4) and on the movable deck (6). The movable deck can rotate between a first position, where it is laid upon the base and positioned substantially parallel thereto, and a second position, where it is inclined upwardly. The apparatus is also provided with support rods (8, 9) which can hold the movable deck in the second position. Two automobiles can be mounted on this apparatus, one above the other. The apparatus can, therefore, help to achieve an efficient use of the space within a transport container.

Abstract: Combination machine tool appartaus and pallet changing system includes a single pallet changer for changing both work pieces at a work piece machining station on the machine tool and tools at a tool storage station on the machine tool. The work piece machining station and tool storage station are offset approximately 45.degree. from each other as measured from the rotational axis of the pallet changer, which is provided with additional retractable rotational stops for locating the pallet changer at these additional 45.degree. indexing positions. Also, the tool storage station is located forwardly of the work piece machining station, thus allowing the pallet changer to be positioned closer to the front of the machine tool in the region of the work piece machining station without interfering with the indexing movement of the pallet changer between stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading a refrigerator box which has a door along one side and insulation in all of the surfaces of the box including the bottom. The invention specifically relates to devices for loading the box using a pallet loaded with prepackaged material such as ice. The insulation in the bottom of the box is divided into three parts; the insulation along one side, the insulation along the opposite side and then the center insulation portion.The method is accomplished by removing the center insulated portion and rolling a pallet loaded with prepackaged material into the refrigerated box using an ordinary transportation vehicle such as a lift cart. Once the vehicle has moved the pallet of prepackaged material into the refrigerated ice box or container, the transportation device is then lowered so that the pallet will settle onto the pieces of insulation on each side of the box. The transportation device is then removed and a piece of insulation is inserted under the pallet.

Abstract: A load carrying attachment has a supporting frame mounted on an elevationally movable carriage assembly mounted uprights of a lift mast and a load engaging frame having a load engaging device. A connecting device connects the load engaging frame to the supporting frame and guides the load engaging frame for movement in a preselected plane in directions transverse the uprights. The load engaging frame is freely transversely movable in the plane in response to an external force being applied to the load engaging frame and alleviates damage to the load engaging frame or a carried load due to misalignment with a transporter. A sensing device is provided for sensing the position of the load engaging frame and delivering a vehicle braking signal in response to the load engaging frame being at either a first or a second preselected transverse position. The load carrying attachment is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a load by a vehicle having lifting forks reduced in length to combine with a rectangular pallet having side and end edges. The pallet has transversely extending floor boards and longitudinally extending stringers separated by spacer blocks with a deck of transversely extending boards mounted on the stringers. The assembly provides transverse channels into which the forks can be entered from either side edge to pick up the loaded pallet, and also provides longitudinal channels for receiving the forks entered from either end edge. By reducing the effective length of standard forks, the outer ends of the forks are prevented from the projecting from the remote side edge of the pallet when the forks are fully entered into the transverse channels. The length of the pallet plus the arrangement of the floor boards place the outer ends of the lifting forks clear of the outermost floor board when the forks are fully entered into the longitudinal channels.