Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wheel hub carrying manipulator which comprises a stand column, a forearm driving device and a claw hand device, wherein the stand column is fixed in the vertical direction, the claw hand device can drive a claw hand assembly to clamp and release a wheel hub through a connecting rod, by the manipulator, assembly line operation can be realized, the production efficiency can be greatly improved, the structure is simple, and the maintenance cost is low.

Abstract: Shape-shifting fingers may enable parallel-jaw gripper to re-grasp objects. In some embodiments, a gripper includes two fingers each having a flexible membrane which is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state in response to pressure applied to a cavity at least partially formed by the membrane. In the extended and retracted state the shape of the flexible membrane may change based on the pressure and/or a force applied to the membrane and may attain two distinct geometric forms to facilitate distinct manipulation functionalities. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane switches between a wedge-shaped geometry in the extended state and a V-shaped geometry in the retracted state. The wedge-shaped geometry may provide a point contact on a cylindrical object so that the object may pivot to a vertical position under the effect of gravity. The V-shaped geometry may localize the object in a vertical position and securely hold it.

Abstract: A cable end holding device for holding a cable end of a cable for a crimp process includes a cable holding element for holding the cable end and a vertical position alteration device having two lever elements for altering the vertical position of the cable holding element in a manner decoupled from a movement of a stamp during the crimp process. The lever elements extend mutually parallel along a longitudinal direction of the lever elements and are arranged mutually offset in height and in a width direction perpendicular to the vertical and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The lever elements each are rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation extending along the width direction, the two first axes of rotation extending mutually parallel.

Abstract: A bale mover with self-adjusting spinners for loading/unloading bales and unrolling bales. The bale mover includes a cross member and a pair of opposing arms that extend generally orthogonally to the cross member. The cross member is pivotable about an axis extending transverse to the bale mover to move the arms to extend away from the bale mover. The arms are moveable toward one another to pinch a bale between distal ends thereof. A spinner is provided at the distal end of each arm. The spinners include axles secured to the arms and spinner bodies which are rotatable about the respective axles to facilitate rotation of a bale engaged by the spinners. The spinners are also pivotable relative to the axles to enable alignment of the spinners with surfaces of the bale.

Abstract: A forklift includes a forklift body having a front wheel and a rear wheel, a fork supported to the front of the forklift body so as to be capable of moving vertically via a mast, a lift cylinder capable of moving the fork up and down, a hydraulic pressure supply line capable of supplying hydraulic pressure to a head-side chamber in the lift cylinder, a hydraulic pressure exhaust line capable of exhausting hydraulic pressure from a rod-side chamber in the lift cylinder, and a changeover valve provided on the hydraulic pressure exhaust line, wherein a control device changes a pressure balance between hydraulic pressure on the head-side chamber and hydraulic pressure on the rod-side chamber in the lift cylinder by the changeover valve to restrict the operation of the lift cylinder, when a weight of a load on the fork exceeds a limit load weight.

Abstract: A component-handling device for handling components to be coated comprises a grasping element capable of having at least one of its volume and its shape changed to grasp a component, whereby the component can be handled. A method for handling components to be coated comprises changing at least one of a volume and a shape of the grasping element to grasp a component, thereby handling the component.

Abstract: A joint unit pivotably coupled to a tip end part of a main arm member of a Scott Russell mechanism is pivoted in two ways. A Scott Russell mechanism device pivotably couples a main arm member and a sub arm member to each other, as well as it pivotably couples a joint unit to a tip end part of the main arm member. Moreover, by providing a pivot driving unit to the main arm member, as well as providing a fourth motor and a drive transmission mechanism unit to the sub arm member, the Scott Russell mechanism device can switch between pivoting the joint unit associatively a change of a coupling angle of the arm members and pivoting the joint unit by the drive of the fourth motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration, and provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig. In particular, the invention relates to a pipe drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of controlled movement of pipe in three dimensions, and most importantly, capable of rapid and precise movement of multiple connected sections of pipe. The invention is capable of moving stands of connected pipe from a racked position on the drill floor to an accurate stabbing position directly above a drill string component held in a rotary table.

Abstract: A component transfer apparatus and method includes a mounting member on which a lower frame of a rack can be mounted and which is driven to move up and down in order to take out or retrieve components from the rack in which the components can be aligned and accommodated in a vertical direction; an upper push member that is arranged to face the mounting member from above and driven to move up and down in order to push the upper frame of the rack from above; and a carrying hand that can reciprocate between a retracted position where it faces the upper push member from below and a protruding position where it protrudes from the upper push member in a horizontal direction and that is driven to move up and down so as to enter a space below the upper frame to carry and suspend the rack at the protruding position and so as to move down the rack onto the mounting member at the retracted position.

Abstract: There is provided a gas-pressure type gravity compensation elevator for ascending/descending a load object, which includes a control part. The control part is adapted to selectively connect a constant-pressure gas cylinder maintained at a constant pressure according to the grasping state, to a gas cylinder for exerting a driving force in the direction of ascent on an elevating mechanism. Further, the control part is adapted to control a sum of a volumes in the gas cylinder and the constant-pressure gas cylinder such that it equals to a sum of their average volumes, every time the grasping state is changed.

Abstract: A device for restraining a horizontal bar at the rear of a vehicle to a stationary support adjacent a loading dock, the device having: a frame having a vertical track and a mounting bracket for securing the frame to the stationary support; a suspended carriage mounted to the track for vertical movement relative to the track, the suspended carriage having a forwardly and upwardly extending member.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus has a frame and a plurality of clamping arms mounted on the frame for grasping and releasing a load. The frame defines an opening through which a load grasped by the clamping arms can pass to above the frame.

Abstract: A handling device intended to grasp and to carry a pack (k) formed by a stack of tires maintained in compression by a continuous, substantially airtight band covering the entire surface of the pack (k) and wound under tension around the pack (k) so as to constitute a unit of which the vertical faces are generally devoid of roughness and which can be grasped by the handling device, comprising an inclinable carriage (2) extended by at least two feet (21, 22) oriented toward the front of the inclinable carriage (2) and secured to the carriage (2), at the end of which feet is arranged an articulation of horizontal axis (BB?) allowing the inclination of the carriage (2) from a substantially vertical position to an inclination forming a given angle (?) with the vertical direction, wherein the carriage (2) comprises a plurality of suction cups (20) intended to apply a vertical face of the pack of tires (k) against the front face of the inclinable carriage (2).

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting manufacturing rings is provided. The lifting apparatus includes an attachment part having an opening extending therethrough, and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the attachment part. Each of the elongated legs has a slit disposed therein. A plurality of support rods are movably disposed in the slits. The support rods are pivotable between a lowered position in which each support rod extends from the associated slit and a raised position in which each support rod is disposed within the associated slit. The lifting apparatus further includes an actuating part operably associated with the support rods and for moving the support rods between the raised position and the lowered position.

Abstract: An apparatus is for displacing objects which can be picked up. The apparatus includes a fork-like member provided with teeth for picking up the objects, a transporting device connected to this member, a device for moving the fork-like member vertically, and a control device for controlling the transporting and moving devices. The apparatus includes at least one pair of mutually adjacent teeth of the fork-like member which is equipped with one flexible carrier arranged on each tooth and drivable in longitudinal direction of the tooth. When the objects are set down, this carrier can impart a determined speed to the objects such that the distance between two rows of set-down objects standing perpendicularly of the direction of the teeth can be regulated in a flexible manner by way of adjusting the speed of the carrier.

Abstract: A pallet jack with a pallet engaging fork having separate and independently movable first and second fork arms connected to independently controlled and operable first and second fork arm elevating means, for lifting a pallet loaded with a stack of items so that when the stack of items leans and is out of balance one fork arm can be elevated higher than the other to compensate and restore balance to the stack of items.

Abstract: A forklift (1) for the loading and unloading of goods comprises a pallet truck (100) and an outrigger, wherein the pallet truck (100) is adapted for detachably coupling to said outrigger (200) via a tilting connection carriage (208). The tilting connection carriage (208) is raised and lowered by a lifting carriage (203) that is slidably mounted on lift masts (204) provided on outrigger (200) such that pallet truck (100) can be elevated to a desired working level from where it can detach from tilting connection carriage (208) and travel onto a raised platform such as the bed (901) of a truck (900). Motion of the outrigger (200), which is provided with a separate motive power means from pallet truck (100), is controlled by an operator seated within pallet truck (100). The forklift (1) is further provided with a means (950) of mounting and securing to a delivery vehicle (900).

Abstract: A portable drum dosing system includes an outer mast assembly extending generally horizontally from the main frame and includes a pair of legs disposed at an angle with respect to each other so that the legs may straddle and dispose the main frame near a drum. An upstanding post assembly extends upwardly from the main frame at the outer mast assembly. The post assembly includes a fixed guide post. An upper clamping mechanism is movably mounted to the fixed post for engaging the chime of a drum. A lifting mechanism controls the vertical movement of the upper clamping mechanism and of the stabilizing mechanism to permit a drum to be engaged by the transporter and then lifted and then conveyed from one location to another. An optional weight measuring device is movably mounted to the fixed post to permit the weight of the drum to be accurately determined.

Abstract: A coil handler device is configured for grasping, lifting and transporting a coil of material that is coiled in such a manner as to have an outer periphery and an inner periphery and to define a longitudinal axis. The handler device includes a frame and a grasping and lifting assembly. The grasping and lifting assembly includes at least one clamping clement having first and second clamping surfaces for engaging and securing the coil along a radial line at the inner and outer peripheries of the coil. The clamping element includes a first clamp leg elongated in a direction along the radial line and a second clamp leg fixedly connected to the first clamp leg transverse to the first clamp leg at a first end. The second clamp leg has a second end operably connected to a lifting assembly for raising and lowering the coil when it is secured by the clamping element.

Abstract: A clamp is configured for use with a coil handler device for grasping, lifting and transporting a coil of material, the material coiled in such a manner as to have an outer periphery and an inner periphery. The handler device includes a frame and a lifting assembly. The clamp includes a body, and first and second clamping surfaces for engaging and securing the coil along a radial line at the inner and outer peripheries of the coil. A first clamp leg is elongated in a direction along the radial line. A second clamp leg is fixedly connected to the first clamp leg, transverse to the first clamp leg at a first end. The second clamp leg has a second end operably connected to the lifting assembly for raising and lowering the coil secured by the clamping element. First and second clamp arms are positioned along the first clamp leg for securing the coil at the inner and outer peripheries.

Abstract: A forklift having a pallet lock device. On an upper face of a top end of a lock bar to lock a pallet, a tapered portion is disposed. When a fork is inserted into the pallet, the tapered portion comes into contact with an end face of the pallet and the lock bar rotates downward. When a landing sensor is turned on by a magnet disposed on the lock bar, the lock bar is immediately driven and the locking operation is started. Then, the top end of the lock bar pushes or comes into pressure contact with an upper face of a lower deck board of the pallet, and the pallet is locked.

Abstract: A coil handler device is configured for grasping, lifting and transporting a coil of material that is coiled in such a manner as to have an outer periphery and an inner periphery and to define a longitudinal axis. The handler device includes a frame and a grasping and lifting assembly. The grasping and lifting assembly includes at least one clamping element having first and second clamping surfaces for engaging and securing the coil along a radial line at the inner and outer peripheries of the coil. The clamping element includes a first clamp leg elongated in a direction along the radial line and a second clamp leg fixedly connected to the first clamp leg transverse to the first clamp leg at a first end. The second clamp leg has a second end operably connected to a lifting assembly for raising and lowering the coil when it is secured by the clamping element.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a roll of material having a cylindrical bore from a vertical position on a surface to a horizontal position at a height above the surface includes a support mandrel for positioning in the bore in advance of moving the roll. An expansion assembly cooperates with the support mandrel for varying a lateral dimension of the support mandrel between a bore insertion dimension at which the support mandrel is inserted into and withdrawn from the bore, and a bore engaging dimension at which the support mandrel engages the walls of the roll defining the bore and locks the support mandrel and the roll together against relative movement. A swivel assembly to which the support mandrel is connected, rotates the support mandrel from the vertical position to the horizontal position. The swivel assembly is vertically moveable along a stanchion, enabling positioning of the roll at a desired height.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) includes a hollow transfer device (20), a side translating assembly (40), and a lift mast assembly (90). The transfer device has at least one substantially open end and a longitudinal opening intersecting the transfer device to move the transfer device substantially vertically, and the side translating assembly is also operatively associated with the transfer device to move the transfer device substantially horizontally between at least one side of the vehicle and a center of the vehicle. The invention contemplates use in a newsprint roll handling apparatus.

Abstract: An interface between forks of a fork lift and one or more sweepers includes elements to receive the forks, and forward-facing elements fittable into fork insertion members in the sweepers. The forward-facing elements are spaced far enough apart to permit using more than one sweeper without mutual interface.

Abstract: An end effector is adapted to lift a wafer carrier. The end effector includes a substantially planar, horizontally-extending support member, and a pair of fingers extending downwardly from the support member to define a T-shaped slot. In one embodiment at least one of the fingers includes an inwardly-and downwardly-extending inclined surface. One or more of the fingers may include a horizontal surface extending inwardly from a lower edge of the inclined surface. The inclined surface(s) kinematically position the wafer carrier in a pre-determined manner relative to the end effector. In another embodiment a horizontal locating pin may be provided on one of the fingers.

Abstract: A work load lifting and moving apparatus is formed by a wheel supported horizontal main frame in turn supporting a mast assembly having a vertically reciprocal lifting frame gripping and lifting the work load by a hoist supported by the mast assembly. Other lifting apparatus supported by the main frame tilts the vertical axis of the work load in a forward direction.

Abstract: A work load lifting and moving apparatus is formed by a wheel supported horizontal main frame in turn supporting a mast assembly having a vertically reciprocal lifting frame gripping and lifting the work load by a hoist supported by the mast assembly. Other lifting apparatus supported by the main frame tilts the vertical axis of the work load in a forward direction.

Abstract: A work load lifting and moving apparatus is formed by a wheel supported horizontal main frame in turn supporting a mast assembly having a vertically reciprocal lifting frame gripping and lifting the work load by a hoist supported by the mast assembly. Other lifting apparatus supported by the main frame tilts the vertical axis of the work load in a forward direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a roll of material having a cylindrical bore from a vertical position on a surface to a horizontal position at a height above the surface includes a support mandrel for positioning in the bore in advance of moving the roll. An expansion assembly cooperates with the support mandrel for varying a lateral dimension of the support mandrel between a bore insertion dimension at which the support mandrel is inserted into and withdrawn from the bore, and a bore engaging dimension at which the support mandrel engages the walls of the roll defining the bore and locks the support mandrel and the roll together against relative movement. A swivel assembly to which the support mandrel is connected, rotates the support mandrel from the vertical position to the horizontal position. The swivel assembly is vertically moveable along a stanchion, enabling positioning of the roll at a desired height.

Abstract: A layer-picking clamp mountable on a truck has clamp arms extending downwardly from and movably mounted to an upper frame section. The clamp arms are linearly movable with respect to the upper frame section in laterally inward and outward directions so that gripping surfaces of the clamp arms retain their substantially vertical orientations as the clamp arms move inward and outward. The upper frame is supported on a first mounting apparatus that is positioned above a second mounting apparatus that supports a load-supporting device. The first mounting apparatus movably supports the upper frame so as to move the upper frame laterally and vertically with respect to the load-supporting device to enable the clamp arms to deposit a load on the load-supporting device. The load-supporting device is capable of supporting a pallet upon which the clamp can deposit the load.

Abstract: A drum transporter includes a main frame mounted on wheels with an outer mast assembly extending generally horizontally from the main frame. The outer mast assembly includes a pair of legs disposed at an angle of at least about 90.degree. with respect to each other so that the legs can straddle a pallet and dispose the main frame near a drum on the pallet. An upstanding post assembly extends upwardly from the main frame and includes a fixed guide post with an upper clamping mechanism for releasably engaging a chime of a drum. The upper clamping mechanism is mounted for vertical movement with respect to the fixed guide post. A stabilizing mechanism is also mounted for vertical movement with respect to the fixed guide post for contacting the drum at a location below and remote from the clamping mechanism. A lifting mechanism controls the vertical movement of the clamping mechanism and the stabilizing mechanism.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for elevating a cargo container chassis for storage in a substantially vertical position. The chassis is positioned on a lifting platform having a hinged axis around which the platform may tilt upwardly. The platform is then tilted upwardly to lift the chassis to an elevated position in which the longitudinal axis of the chassis approaches or assumes a vertical or upright position. The chassis may then be transferred to a transport vehicle. The transport vehicle does not actively tilt the chassis upward, but instead accepts the already tilted chassis and transfers it to a storage area for vertical storage. This method thereby avoids the necessity of a transport vehicle firmly clamping the chassis and actively tilting it into the storage position, which may damage the chassis. Also, the transport vehicle need not be fitted with expensive heavy tilting devices, and a very large and heavy chassis may more easily be moved to the vertical storage position.

Abstract: A device for the lifting, manipulation and transport of heavy rolls of material from shipping containers to/and from production apparatus is disclosed. The device has a mandrel which grips rolled stock at the roll core by means of expansion inside the roll core, and manipulates the rolled stock from its shipping position to a position suitable for placement on the mandrel of equipment to utilize the rolled stock. The device allows for transport of the rolled stock from shipping or storage locations to machinery for use. The device is capable of straddling shipping pallets and the like to allow for positioning the mandrel over the rolled stock while maintaining a relatively low center of gravity. Attached to the vertical lift plate is a second plate which is capable of sideways movement of the rolled stock and the mandrel for horizontal positioning. Primary energy sources are provided by electrically powered hydraulics or manually actuated hydraulics, winches, or lead screws.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for containers of a flowable material which comprises a base member, a first elongated tubular column, a second elongated tubular column, a container support, and a lifting and lowering assembly. The lifting and lowering assembly is housed interior of the second column and includes a reversible gear motor and an elongated lift bar. The gear motor selectively drives an endless flexible tension member by way of a drive member cooperating with a driven assembly. One end of the elongated lift bar is connected to a first segment of the flexible tension member. A distal end of the elongated lift bar is attached to a base assembly. The second elongated tubular column is selectively lifted or lowered with respect to the first tubular column, in telescopic fashion, as the flexible tension member is driven. The container support, which may have tilting capabilities, is attached to a moveable carriage member.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine comprising a generally horizontal rail including a rail member, a base, a linear slide supporting the base for movement along the rail member, a generally vertical mast supported by the base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along the mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by the carriage.

Abstract: Left side panels and right side panel are produced in a left side panel production line and a right side panel production line, respectively By vertical lifters, each left side panel and each right side panel are lifted at the delivery stations and then transferred to runners at work transfer positions. The runner with the left side panel held thereon travels along a rail while the runner with the right side panel held thereon travels along a rail. Both runners are stopped at a standby position and then conveyed to a runner transfer position simultaneously. The runners with the left and right side panels held thereon, respectively, are loaded on the traverser and then conveyed to a drop lifter arranged above a main body assembly line. The left and right side panels are transferred to the drop lifter. The drop lifter then descends and feeds the left and right side panels simultaneously on opposite sides of a floor panel in the main body assembly line.

Abstract: An attachment for removing pavement that can be removably mounted on the lift arms of a vehicle such as a tractor loader that includes a main frame having front and rear sides. An elongated penetrating member is mounted to extend cantilever from the front side of the main frame and an angular adjusting means is provided for orientating the penetrating member to any desired angular position from below to above horizontal. A holding member in the form of a pair of stub beams is mounted to also extend from the front side of the main frame in vertically spaced relation above the penetrating member to define a pavement receiving space therebetween into which the pavement can slide during removal. A hitch means is provided on the main frame for mounting the attachment on the lift arms of a tractor loader.

Abstract: An attachment for a fork lift is provided. The attachment includes two arcuate members which are pivotally connected. The arcuate members have gripping surfaces which approximate a radius of curvature of a cylindrical drum of known dimensions. The gripping members are pivoted together to pivot between open and closed positions. In the closed positions, the gripping surfaces assume the external surface of the drum.

Abstract: An assembly for the controlled programmed handling of articles includes autoguided and robotized vehicles and a plurality of work stations and storage areas. There is a computer communication system between a host computer, the vehicles, and the work and storage areas. The vehicles have manipulator devices to move articles from the vehicle to the work stations and storage areas and vice versa. The work stations include a receiving area, a work area, and an output area with detector devices for detecting articles in each area and for communicating same to the computer. Each vehicle has a non-traction wheel and an encoder device communicating with the non-traction wheel for converting rotation of the non-traction wheel into distance travelled by the vehicle.

Abstract: The inventive manipulator for heavy loads, preferably printing products in loose scale formation and wound up to form rolls, only has a single pivot pin (35) or joint which, according to the invention, is arranged in such a way that the load (5) can be brought into three main positions orthogonal to one another using this single pivot pin or joint. The load is held by a holding device (33,38). The pivot pin (35) passes through the center of gravity of the load, or the center of gravity is located in the pivot point or fulcrum. This makes it possible to grip in frontal or lateral precise manner heavy loads and subsequently to deposit same on a loading device or in a store without great force expenditure using a drive and/or manually. The invention is also characterized by the combination of an industrial truck (10), a lifting device (11) arranged thereon and a mounted implement (31-38) located on the truck and preferably constituted by the inventive manipulator.

Abstract: A mobile hoist for loading and unloading heavy objects onto and from shelves in space limited quarters includes a hydraulic cylinder piston combination for elevating and lowering the objects utilizing a platform or a boom which may be attached to the piston. The piston moves up and down in response to a flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder. The flow of the hydraulic fluid is controlled by a metering valve which is opened and closed by a cam driven arrangement designed to ensure that the fluid flow through the metering valve is nonlinear enabling soft, no shock stops regardless of the weight of the objects being elevated or lowered. The boom includes a sling lock mechanism which allows for placement of objects in locations with limited clearances.

Abstract: A printed product coil or wound product package consists of a hollow winding core or mandrel upon which mutually slightly overlapping printed products as well as a winding band or partitioning strap wound in between the winding layers are wound-up. The winding band is maintained under tension and holds the coil together. The winding core has a lesser width than the printed products which means that the winding core is recessed in relation to the end faces of the printed product coil and permits stacking a series of the printed product coils with their end faces in intimate contact.

Abstract: A vacuum lift clamp device for sidehandling of one or two paper rolls (21), for use in connection with ordinary fork lift trucks equipped with a vacuum pump device (23) , and having a curved carrying plate (1, 2, 3) e.g.

Abstract: An article handling system and, more particularly, a box or container picker system having miniaturized components for detecting the presence as well as the orientation of various sizes of boxes and containers in a pallet layer of product including suction cups and associated pneumatically-operated sensing structure arranged in arrays for detecting the presence or absence of a box or container therebeneath during a cycle and controls for determining the coordinates at which box presence is detected and also for activating those suction heads which are to function to pick a box from a layer of product. The vacuum pickup head including the suction cup has a casing with an interior vacuum chamber controlled by a motor-operated valve member which, in one position, connects an operating negative pressure to a suction cup and, in another position, closes off the negative pressure and connects the suction cup to atmosphere.