Abstract: This invention relates to a gas tank handling attachment for a truck mounted forklift truck (TMFL) comprising a frame, a pair of clamping arms pivotably mounted on the frame, and a pair of pivoting rams mounted on the frame, operable to pivot the clamping arms to and from a stowed configuration and an operating configuration. The frame comprises a pair of spaced apart uprights bridged by a bracing cross-member, and there is provided, mounted on the frame, means to releasably engage a fork carriage. One of the clamping arms is mounted on one upright and the other clamping arm is mounted on the other upright. In the stowed configuration, the clamping arms are substantially parallel to and extend upwardly from the uprights, and in the operating configuration the clamping arms are substantially orthogonal to and project forwardly from the uprights. An operator can operate the attachment to engage/disengage a gas tank from inside the driver's station of the TMFL.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein related to a robotic system for transporting a container. The robotic system includes a lifting mechanism and a container storage assembly coupled to the lifting mechanism. The container storage assembly includes at least one bracket assembly that further includes a bracket elongated member. The bracket elongated member includes a surface having at least one slot and a locking mechanism within the at least one slot. The at least one slot and the locking mechanism are configured to slidably receive and positively lock at least one locking member of the container.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment a clamping device comprising a first clamping device frame element coupled with a portion of a work tool coupled with the utility vehicle, a second clamping device frame element pivotally coupled with the first clamping device frame element, where the second clamping device frame element includes a first section and a second section, where the first section and the second section are positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other, and a first movement actuator that movably couples the first clamping device frame element and the second clamping device frame element.

Abstract: A deployable assembly can be positioned within a building for a datacenter or other environment. An upper frame can be released from the deployable assembly and lifted to allow lower ends of the upper frame to be coupled with upper ends of columns that also form part of the deployable assembly. The deployable assembly can be laterally expanded to extend horizontal members, such as in the upper frame and/or in a core chassis that may further form part of the deployable assembly. The lateral expansion can reach a size suitable for a cold aisle corridor, for example. The core chassis can be raised into a raised position within the upper frame, for example, such that trays within the core chassis are suitably positioned for receiving cabling from computing components to be arranged along the cold aisle corridor.

Abstract: Fork head for gripping thin objects having a main frame attached to a mobile element on a lifting vehicle; a mobile frame, with two fixed, parallel arms and a gripping arm that moves from and towards the fork arms to trap a thin object hanging between the two fork arms, said mobile frame being able to move horizontally along a transversal guide attached to the main frame; wherein the gripping arm has end portions superimposed on the two arms of the frame and has a length (L) in a transversal direction equal to or greater than a fork width (w) defined by the distance between the opposite outer edges of the two fork arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device (5) for a forklift (1). The clamping device (5) comprises a body (6) connectable to the forklift (1) at a loading area thereof, a clamping arm (7) connected to the body (6), the clamping arm (7) being moveable in relation to the body (6), and a drive unit arranged to move the clamping arm (7) between an idle position, in which the clamping arm (7) is located outside of the loading area, and a working position, in which the clamping arm (7) has been moved into the loading area to secure a load (2) carried by the forklift (1). The invention also relates to a forklift (1) for transporting a load (2).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stacking objects on a transport carrier. The apparatus is provided with a forming platform, a loading platform on which a transport carrier to be loaded, such as a pallet or a roller container, can be placed, and a gripper which is movable between the forming platform and the loading platform. The gripper comprises a support frame which is provided with at least one row of parallel forks, which forks comprise an upright to which a horizontal beam is attached at a distance beneath the support frame, wherein the beams can be moved backward and forward in their longitudinal direction, wherein each fork is individually adjustable vis-à-vis the support frame. The forks are independently adjustable vis-à-vis the support frame.

Abstract: A wholestalk sugar cane loader includes a piler for accumulating wholestalk sugar cane into piles, and a grab assembly mounted to the end of a boom assembly carried by the loader frame and having opposed tines operable for encircling a mass of piled wholestale sugar cane, with the boom assembly then being operated for lifting the mass of wholestalk cane and depositing it into a container of a haul vehicle. The piler and the grab assembly have respective surface structures which cooperate, when the grab assembly is being loaded with the mass of wholestalk sugar cane, so as to aid the operator in keeping the tines of the grab assembly out of soil contact so that no soil is carried into the mass of wholestalk cane by the tines.

Abstract: A bundle gripper for a palletizing machine for picking up respectively at least one bundle and depositing the bundle on a pallet. The bundle gripper including a frame, an adjustable end stop, and at least one gripper finger such that the gripper finger has a front end and is adjustable on the frame. The gripper finger being movable between a first position and a second position. The bundle gripper also including a hold-down clamp coupled to the frame and positioned against the end stop for clamping the bundle against the gripper finger such that a distance between the end stop and the front end of the gripper finger in the second position is changeable to adapt to different lengths of the bundles. The end stop and the gripper finger are each movable to change the distance and the hold-down clamp is correspondingly adjustable to accommodate different lengths of the bundles.

Abstract: A mixed size product end of arm tooling is used in conjunction with a robot to pick mixed size product and place the product onto a pallet or layers resting on top of a pallet. The end of arm tooling includes two center rails/forks mounted to a base. Two outer rails/forks are mounted to linear bearings that guide the outer rails/forks when moving inwardly or outwardly from the center rails for pre-sizing to the product. Pusher arms are formed of two outer pusher arms and one center pusher arm. These pusher arms are attached to linear bushings that guide the pusher arms forward and backward. The pusher arms push off the product simultaneously as the robot is withdrawing the rails.

Abstract: A grabber for automatically grabbing and placing packing units of different dimensions and configurations includes a frame with a support, a hold-down device and a stripper attached to the frame. The support supports a bottom portion of a respective packing unit, and is generally horizontally movable with respect to the frame. The hold-down device is downwardly movable toward the support to clamp the respective packing unit between the support and the hold-down device. The stripper is disposed above the support and is generally horizontally movable. The respective packing unit is substantially immobilized by the hold-down device and the stripper as the support is retracted.

Abstract: A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A primary means of restraining the tank on the cradle is provided along with a backup means should the primary means fail for any reason. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle up to 27 inches from the floor surface. An onboard battery with an integrated battery charger provides power to the linear actuator. A compact base with swivel casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The compact size of the hoist allows it to operate in confined spaces.

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 stack gripper has two pairs of support elements, which are arranged next to one another and are adjustably fastened to a transverse carrier. A drive is provided for an adjustment apparatus, with which the spacing between the two pairs can be changed without the lateral spacing of the support elements of a pair being changed.

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: A pallet clamping device is mounted between forks of a material handling vehicle. The device clamps to a stringer of a pallet using a pair of horizontally moveable jaws. The jaws are resiliently forced toward one another for clamping a stringer so that a clamped pallet will not move off the forks. The jaws are mounted for pivoting and sliding motion relative to mounting pins which, together with links coupling the jaws to a base of the device, tighten jaw closure if a pallet moves away from the forks. The pivoting and sliding motion of the jaws helps align the jaws with pallets not perfectly aligned with the vehicle. Depression of a foot pedal moves the jaws from a closed position to a latched open position for receiving a pallet stringer. The jaws can also be moved to an unlatched open position for receiving a greater width center stringer. Upon release of the operating device from the unlatched open position, the jaws move toward their closed position.

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 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 device for handling containers, such as drums, is provided to facilitate holding a drum during drum handling by engaging the drum with a first clamping member and a second clamping member which can be selectively locked with a locking mechanism to facilitate the secure holding of the drum during handling by facilitating the maintenance of the drum in clamped engagement with the device.

Abstract: A device for handling containers, such as drums, is provided to facilitate holding a drum during drum handling by engaging the drum with a first clamping member and a second clamping member which can be selectively locked with a locking mechanism to facilitate the secure holding of the drum during handling by facilitating the maintenance of the drum in clamped engagement with the device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses either an apparatus that is adapted for selective mounting to and demounting from a pallet jack for use therewith or a transport vehicle having an apparatus permanently mounted thereto, which can effectively and efficiently transport articles or stacks of objects, such as boxes, furniture, trays, or the like from one location to another. The apparatus comprises a housing and an article engaging and lifting member, which includes a base and a back support member for supporting the article or stacks of objects. The article engaging and lifting member is pivotally mounted to the housing, preferably adjacent the bottom of the back support member. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a first clamp member for maintaining the article adjacent the back support member.

Abstract: A container handling assembly for lifting one or two containers. The assembly comprises a first and second jaw captively connected for cooperative movement whereby the jaws close when a load is applied. If a single container is lifted on the first jaw, the second jaw pivots to clamp the container on the first jaw. If two containers are lifted the jaws close to safely clamp both containers. In the unloaded position the second jaw projects beyond the first jaw thereby facilitating insertion of the jaws into coupling pieces of containers to be lifted. A number of safety features are incorporated to prevent lifting unless the containers are correctly loaded and to prevent unloading unless a release is activated.

Abstract: The universal carrier of the present invention may be used to move and weigh heavy objects, such as drums or coils of metal or wire. This can be done by changing a removable member attached to the lift member of the universal carrier or by replacing both the removable and lift members with a single horizontally adjustable member. The removable members have different attachments which allow different types of objects to be moved. The universal carrier may include an optional force measuring device which allows the object to be weighed at the time it is moved.

Abstract: A robotic gripping device comprises a fixed frame, and a hold down plate vertically moveable in relation to the fixed frame between a raised release position and a lowered hold down position. A moveable support platform retained by the fixed frame is moveable between an extended position where the support platform is opposed to the hold down plate to permit the retention of packages therebetween, and a retracted position where the support platform is no longer opposed to the hold down plate. The support platform further comprises pairs of generally parallel side members, with roller members disposed between each pair of side members, and a belt member looped around the roller members. A package receiving portion of the belt member faces the hold down plate when the support platform is in its extended position.

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 material handling attachment mountable on a pair of lifting arms of a vehicle comprising a mounting frame mountable on the lift arms of the vehicle and having at least one guide disposed thereon, a tine having a support arm portion cooperating with and displaceable along the guide. The mounting frame and the support arm portion of the tine are operatively interconnected for displacing the tine relative to the mounting frame.

Abstract: A load clamping apparatus is provided for use with a forklift truck including a mast having a vertical guide channel, a lift carriage mounted to the mast for elevational movement therealong and a pair of spaced apart forks carried by the lift carriage to support a load to be handled.

Abstract: An adjustable drum handling carrier particularly adapted for use in handling fiber drums includes an upright tube with telescoping top and bottom bracket tubes. The upright tube is attached to a midpoint of a cradle. The side wall of the drum is peripherally engaged by the cradle, and the ends of the drum are engaged by the top and bottom brackets.

Abstract: A four-wheel device used to lift drums with compressed air stored in an on-board storage tank without special straps, tools, or clamps that allows the operator to lift the drum with no physical stress and to roll the unit to another location with minimum effort.

Abstract: A load stabilizer apparatus for a forklift mast includes a mounting member attached to a cross member of a lift carriage of the mast, a stabilizer frame member hingedly connected to the mounting member and pivotable between a stabilizing position and a stowed position, a pair of load stabilizer arms extending from the stabilizer frame member, and load engaging pads mounted on the outer ends of the stabilizer arms. The apparatus is retained in the stabilizing position by a latch pawl which releasably engages an edge of the stabilizer frame member. The apparatus includes a swing control bracket which engages a lower surface of the lift carriage cross member to prevent the apparatus from striking components of the lift carriage when the apparatus is released from the stabilizing position.

Abstract: Robotic hand includes retractable paddles for supporting an article and a vertically-movable top paddle for engaging an upper surface of the article. The top paddle is mounted on an upper free end of a band of sheet-like material, which may be extended above the top surface of a housing of the robotic hand. Inflatable bladders in the retractable paddles have a relatively high coefficient of friction, and the top surface of the paddles has relatively low coefficient of friction. A force sensor may be provided in the lower surface of the top paddles.

Abstract: Apparatus for raising and moving an open ended container, which comprises a base structure. Moving apparatus is connected to the base structure for rolling the base structure over a substantially level surface. Raising apparatus is connected to the base structure for raising the open ended container in a substantially vertical manner above the substantially level surface. Container support apparatus is connected to the raising apparatus for supporting the container in an upright position while being raised and rolled over the substantially level surface.

Abstract: A device, adaptable to a forklift, for grasping a storage drum by a lip formed in its top edge. A lifting arm supports the lip from below while a mechanical linkage causes the spring-loaded support arm to be drawn against the inside surface of the lip as the device is raised by the forklift. Further lifting by the forklift causes the drum to be raised while the force exerted by the holding arm against the lip is dictated by the weight of the drum. Lowering the drum to the ground causes the mechanism to automatically release.

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 handcart includes a pair of wheels mounted on an axle, a pair of lower tubes mounted on the axle, a pair of upper tubes telescopically received in the pair of lower tubes, and a holding assembly mounted on the pair of lower tubes to hold a baggage container. The holding assembly includes a lower holding member mounted to a lower portion of the pair of lower tubes, a sleeve mounted to a mediate portion of the pair of lower tubes and slidable along the lower tubes, an upper holding member extending from the sleeve for holding the baggage container between the lower and upper holding members, a handle extending upward from the upper holding member and having an elongate hole extending vertically, a stop member mounted to an upper portion of the pair of lower tubes and having a pin extending outward into the elongate hole, and a spring mounted around each of the lower tubes between the stop member and the sleeve.

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: Various attachments for a tractor-mounted loader are formed by selecting different types of tines which may be selectively mounted to a common attachment frame which incorporates integral tine mounting bushings so that either a fork lift, bale fork or bale handling attachment with roll back support is formed.

Abstract: A gripping device for use in combination with a front-end loader for lifting and transporting heavy objects, comprising a slot-entering jaw means, second jaw means, jaw adjusting means to effect movement of one of said slot-entering jaw means and said second jaw means relative to other of said jaw means, and loader cooperation means by which said device is adapted to cooperate with the loader. The device is particularly useful for removing slabs of concrete from a pre-cut concrete floor, such as found in multi-storey parking garages, during demolition or rehabilitation.

Abstract: A carrier comprising a lift bar provided on the body of the carrier and movable upward and downward, a connecting member pivotably connected between an upwardly driving cylinder device and the lift bar, an upper claw provided on the connecting member, and a lower claw provided on the lift bar and cooperative with the upper claw for holding the upper rim of a container. The load of the container acting on the lower claw pulls down the upper claw for the two claws to clamp the container upper rim to transport the container as lifted.

Abstract: A conveying and/or handling device for containers has a plurality of coupling claws, and latching members cooperating with the latter essentially in the manner of tongs. In order to provide for simple handling of all types of containers and to load and move them about, two coupling claws are provided on a transverse bearer or beam of a lifting carriage. The transverse bearer or beam carrying the coupling claws runs in vertical guideways on the lifting carriage for vertical motion and is driven by a hydraulic piston and cylinder unit. The lifting carriage is provided with at least one fork or supporting plate to be placed under the floor of the container. The carriage runs in guideways of the vertical beams of a lifting rig and is driven by a hydraulic drive unit.

Abstract: The apparatus for feeding packaging machines with stacks of sheet material includes a trolley-like support provided with a vertically arranged rotatable belt having orthogonally connected thereto a plurality of pairs of support walls which define an accommodation seat for respective stacks of material in sheets, and a unit for removing and transferring the stacks which has a head provided with an element for gripping a stack. The head is movable vertically, laterally and horizontally so as to arrange itself at a selected accommodation seat in order to remove a stack therefrom and subsequently move it to a station for feeding the material in sheets to the packaging machine. The pairs of support walls are relatively mutually displaceable along a horizontal axis to thereby support a stack in a closed position and release a stack, or alternatively to receive a stack, in an open position.

Abstract: A gripping device for transporting a stack of flexible sheets includes two substantially horizontally spaced, parallel tines arranged for supporting the stack; and a counterelement supported above the tines in alignment with the spacing therebetween. The counterelement has a horizontal dimension in a direction parallel to the spacing between the two tines. A horizontal dimension is smaller than the spacing between the two tines. A device moves the counterelement substantially vertically towards or away from the tines. When an unstabilized stack of flexible sheets is received on the two tines and the counterelement is moved towards the two tines for gripping and stabilizing the stack therebetween, the counterelement and the two tines produce a curvilinear bending in the stack about a horizontal axis oriented parallel to the two tines when the counterelement is moved past an initial plane containing a top layer of the unstabilized stack.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement for stabilizing a load carried on an elevationally movable load engaging device of a material handling lift mast has a clamp movably connected to the load engaging device and an actuator for moving the load engaging clamp between first and second spaced apart locations in response to the actuator being moved between extended and retracted positions. A connecting device connects the actuator to the load engaging device and maintains the load engaging clamp from movement toward the second position in response to engagement between the load engaging clamp and the load and provides a preselected amount of movement of the actuator relative to the load engaging clamp subsequent to engagement between the load engaging clamp and the load and thus reduces the potential of damaging the load. The clamping arrangement is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drum dolly attachment apparatus having a conventional dolly truck assembly with a drum attachment assembly of this invention connected thereto. The dolly truck assembly includes a main truck frame on a support wheel assembly which is operable to be placed adjacent and under a drum member for connecting thereto. The drum attachment assembly is slidably mounted on an upright vertical handle of the dolly truck assembly and is operable to be placed in contact and grasp a main rim portion of the drum member. The drum attachment assembly is constructed so as to move vertically as required to adjust its position on the main rim portion of the drum member when moved from a vertical to an inclined position. The drum attachment assembly includes a drum connector assembly having a first stationary drum connector connectable to an upper inner portion of the main rim portion and a second actuator drum connector connectable to an outer lower portion of the main rim portion of the drum member.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus adapted for attachment to a fork lift truck for transporting stacks of vertically disposed sheet material from one location to another. The apparatus includes a frame adapted for attachment to the forks of a fork lift truck and a lower support for supporting the lower edges of the sheets. The lower support is adjustably connected to the frame permitting vertical adjustment of the lower support relative to the frame. The apparatus also includes an upper support pivotally mounted on the frame for engaging the back side of the stack during transport.

Abstract: A movable body having a pair of parallel arms supported from the body and in turn supporting a pair of forks for movement for engaging and releasing the bottom of a stack of sheet material. A clamp is movably connected to the body above the forks for engaging the top of the material and holding the material between the clamp and the extended forks. A probe lifter is movably connected to the body and movable between a lower position below the forks and an upper position between the extended forks for removing the weight of the stack from the forks for allowing the forks to be retracted.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted apparatus for lifting and transporting a wheelchair is provided comprising a base onto which the power wheelchair is driven and parked, and having a motorized lift mechanism which lifts the base and wheelchair to a height necessary for transport wherein the base is provided with a subassembly which will keep the base from yawing about the axis formed by the lifting mechanism. Additional subassemblies are provided which hold the wheelchair on the base once it is in the raised position.

Abstract: A two-wheeled drum or barrel transporting truck slidably mounts a drum flange or chime clamp which is powered from an energy source on the truck to raise the drum for depositing the same on a pallet or the like. An electric motor driven linear actuator on the truck is energized from a battery also carried on the truck to drive the clamp. A double pole switch on or adjacent the handlebar of the truck controls a circuit to drive the motor in opposite directions. The clamp when raised against the chime ring of a barrel or drum automatically locks the drum to the truck. Rollers on the truck embrace and cradle the drum so that it is easily raised and lowered on the truck.

Abstract: A stack conveyor and handler in the form of a crane for stacking rod-like material in a warehouse or storage system or the like, in which the load-bearing beam is vertically movable on guides of the crane and has load pickup devices in the form of prongs or the like. Prongs identical to these prongs and located opposite them are firmly connected to the beam, and clamping mandrels for gripping the material are movable substantially vertically between opposed prongs. The load-bearing beam is supported such that it is rotatable, about an axis that is horizontal as well as parallel to the corridors between stacks, between at least two operating positions, in which the prongs extend in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Provided herein is a forklift attachment which is easily assembled and disassembled from the forklift including a mounting bracket, two independently pivotable, hydraulically actuated arms pivotally connected to the bracket where the arms are positioned to cooperate with the forklift tines, two hydraulic jacks one each associated with and pivotally connected to each arm and pivotally connected to the bracket to rotate themselves and cause rotation of the arms when actuated, and a hydraulic fluid and control system adapted to prevent obstruction of forklift operations and to permit independent actuation of the arms.