Suspended Patents (Class 414/626)
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Publication number: 20020131853Abstract: A suction control unit in a plate suction and lifting device that can suck and lift even the plate with process holes or the corrugated plate by finding the suckable flat part of the plate. A suction control unit 1 controls a plate suction and lifting device 2 for lifting a plate W by sucking the flat part of the plate W by a suction pad 4. The suction control unit 1 is equipped with a suction pressure detecting means 19 and a retry control unit 29. The retry control unit 29 detects the suction pressure of the suction pad 4. The retry control unit 29 sucks the plate again if the suction pressure of the suction pressure detecting means 19 does not reach the set pressure when the suction pad 4 sucks the plate W. This suction is implemented again by changing the flat part of the plate W sucked by the suction pad 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Applicant: Murata Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsuo Nagasawa
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Patent number: 6450318Abstract: An elevated container transport system, comprising: an elevated track; a cart movable along the track; means for moving the cart along the track; a telescoping arm coupled to the cart, and movable between a retracted position in which its distal end is relatively close to the cart, and an extended position in which the distal end is farther from the cart; and a container support structure carried by the telescoping arm and extendable and retractable therewith, preferably accomplished with two container conveyor systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: TEC Engineering CorporationInventor: Maurice Minardi
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Publication number: 20020119036Abstract: An installation for fabricating semiconductor products includes a transport system for supplying the semiconductor products to fabrication units in a clean room. A portal crane installation includes at least one transport container which is guided above the fabrication units and which can be lowered to the fabrication units.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Ronald Huber, Rolf-Arno Klabsch
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Patent number: 6435261Abstract: A mechanism for inverting the cope of a molding flask which includes a frame and support arms pivotally supported by the frame. The cope of the molding flask is attachable to the support to thereby enable the cope to be inverted to permit safe and efficient cleaning and repair.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Wayne D. Ailiff
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Patent number: 6428267Abstract: An apparatus and method for picking and placing an object is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated frame, first and second carriages slidingly engaged with the frame, first and second connecting rods pivotally engaged with the first carriage at one end and at least a third connecting rod pivotally engaged with the second carriage at one end, and a gripper pivotally and operatively attached to the connecting rods at their other ends. The method of operation includes moving the gripper in a first direction (upwardly) by sliding the first and second carriages away from each other along the frame, moving the gripper in a second direction (laterally), perpendicular to the first direction, by sliding the first and second carriages together along the frame in the same direction, and moving, the gripper in a third direction (downwardly), opposite to the first direction, by sliding the first and second carriages toward each other along the frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Gilman Engineering & Manufacturing Co., LLCInventor: Paul D. Terpstra
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Patent number: 6386515Abstract: Apparatus for hoisting and suspending a pick-up truck cap adjacent the ceiling of a storage structure. The apparatus includes a slotted, aluminum beam and plural lifting straps. The lifting straps are removably secured at two positions on the beam. Plural storage cables are attached to the ceiling of the storage structure and extend around the truck cap. Each storage cable is adapted to be removably positioned on hooks disposed in the ceiling of the storage structure. A conventional worm gear winch and pulley system is provided for hoisting.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Richard E. Sachtleben
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Patent number: 6370837Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for laying masonry blocks in multiple block units. The system comprises a mortar injection device, a block hoist apparatus and a mortar applying apparatus, The mortar injection device includes a mortar feed, mortar dispensing chutes and a block tamper. The mortar dispensing chutes are positioned to inject mortar into gaps between adjacent blocks in the multiple block unit, to create a mortar joint between each block. The block tamper comprises a vibratory roller and/or a series of vibrating pistons attached to the mortar injection device, and facilitates substantially uniform settling of the mortar in the block gaps.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Anthony B. McMahonInventors: Anthony Basil McMahon, Patrick James McMahon, Thomas Joseph Noone
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Patent number: 6361022Abstract: A lifting device for lifting elongate objects such as watercraft from trailers or the like to overhead storage positions has a plurality of individual lines passing over a plurality of pulleys generally configured in a rectangular shape and supported from an overhead support such as a ceiling. First ends of each of the individual lines are attached to slings underlying the watercraft. Second ends of the individual lines pass through gathering means along a longitudinal axis. A multiple purchase block and tackle system also runs along the longitudinal axis, and has first and second ends attached by a hauling line. The individual lines each have second ends attached to the first end of the block and tackle system, so that as the block and tackle first end is moved each of the individual lines is moved simultaneously and an equal distance. Uniform, mechanically advantageous lifting of the watercraft is thereby achieved by manipulation of a single hauling line.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Harken, Inc.Inventors: Charles J Lob, John S Millman
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Publication number: 20020018708Abstract: A device for manually maneuvering a handling unit, includes a mounting structure for attachment to a handling unit which is operated through actuation of a control mechanism connected to the mounting structure. A handle frame is connectable to the mounting structure and includes a cross member and a pair of elongate grip elements detachably coupled to the axial ends of the cross member which is releasably attached to the mounting structure. The cross member and the grip elements can be selected from a plurality of cross members and grip elements of varying lengths to thereby establish a construction kit that allows construction of handle frames of varying configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventors: Thomas Bonker, Klaus-Dieter Gabriel, Uwe Lichtenvort
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Publication number: 20010051092Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for conveying, for instance, dies, comprising: an X-axis moving block movable in an X-axis direction that is a lead frame conveying direction, a Y-axis moving block installed on the X-axis moving block and moved in a Y-axis direction that is perpendicular to the X-axis direction, a nozzle holder installed on the Y-axis moving block so as to be movable upward and downward, a Z-axis guide rail installed on the X-axis moving block and has an inclined part that rises from a die pick-up position side toward a die bonding position side, a Z-axis moving plate moved upward and downward along the Z-axis guide rail and is connected to the nozzle holder, and a suction chucking nozzle that holds the dies by vacuum suction and is installed so as to be moved upward and downward on the nozzle holder and together with the nozzle holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2001Publication date: December 13, 2001Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SHINKAWAInventors: Tsutomu Mimata, Hiroshi Watanabe, Yasushi Sato
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Patent number: 6315513Abstract: In order to provide an automated warehouse having high space utilization efficiency, high floor area utilization efficiency, and high loading/unloading efficiency and a method of managing the warehouse, a transfer unit is placed above a stocking area, a holding unit of the transfer unit can move three-dimensionally, and an elevating unit of the transfer unit, which holds a stock object and raises/lowers it, raises/lowers a stock object without making it roll. This transfer unit holds a stock object in a loading area, and transfers the loaded stock object over stock objects stored in the stocking area. The transfer unit then lowers this stock object from above and stacks it flat or on another stock object. When an object is to be unloaded, the transfer unit holds the stock object from above and transfers it to an unloading area through the air.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Hirata CorporationInventors: Sumio Harukawa, Masao Toyama, Yukiharu Tokisato, Takenori Hirakawa, Atsuhiko Iijima
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Patent number: 6301776Abstract: An assembly system and method thereof for manufacturing an outdoor unit of a dual-unit type air conditioner employs an assembly system in which the outdoor unit is assembled, a refrigerant charging section in which the assembled outdoor unit is charged with a refrigerant, a testing section in which the outdoor unit charged with the refrigerant is tested, and a packaging section in which the outdoor unit after passing the test in the testing section is packaged and forwarded. The outdoor unit is carried on a mobile cart through the assembly section, the refrigerant charging section, and the testing section.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Doo-nam Myung, Hong-rae Kim
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Patent number: 6290452Abstract: A conveyor delivers successive stacks of blanks to a position at a level above a single magazine or to positions at levels above discrete plural magazines for stacked blanks. In order to avoid misalignment of blanks during replenishment of supplies of such blanks in the magazine or magazines, the level of the uppermost blank in each magazine is monitored and the thus obtained signals are utilized to release stacks of blanks for gravitational descent onto the remnant(s) of blanks in the magazine or magazines when the lowermost blank of a stack is located at a preselected distance from the uppermost blank(s) of the remnant(s) of the supply or supplies of blanks in the magazine(s). This can be accomplished by causing a stack of blanks above a magazine to descend relative to the dwindling supply of blanks in the magazine until the lowermost blank of the descending stack reaches a position at the selected distance from the topmost blank in the magazine.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbHInventor: Michael Kleine Wächter
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Publication number: 20010006596Abstract: A mobile lift and storage apparatus for lifting, lowering, moving, and storing objects. A combination of the mobile lift and a stationary storage apparatus forming a stationary storage system for securing the mobile lift and the stored objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2001Publication date: July 5, 2001Inventor: Coleman W. Vickary
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Patent number: 6224314Abstract: A universal rack loading/unloading system and method of using such a system includes a transfer station for receiving the truck bed of a truck. A monorail is fixedly attached to the transfer station. The monorail has at least one snatch winch that is coupled thereto and capable of traversing a length of the monorail. Also, a first rail system is formed by a pair of parallel track members and fixedly attached to the second support frame of the transfer station. A conveyance trolley is slidable mounted to the first rail system. A universal rack being suspended from the snatch winch of the monorail for supporting a load of material to be moved through a processing plant. The truck bed is unloaded and jigged simultaneously at the transfer station for movement of the material through the plant for processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Robert K. Mann
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Patent number: 6183184Abstract: A work transport system having an overhead travelling carriage that runs along a rail arranged near the ceiling, arranged with a storage rack member upon which work may be loaded, between the floor and the rail. As the storage rack member upon which work may be loaded is arranged between the floor and the rail, the space of the processing station and floor may be decreased and the transfer time of the work by the overhead travelling carriage may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventor: Tamotsu Shiwaku
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Patent number: 6174123Abstract: Apparatus for transferring sheet-like objects from one position to another comprises a control frame including a vertical control member and a gripping device within the control frame and including a control member counterpart engaging the vertical control member of the control frame in a manner permitting relative movement of the control frame and the gripping device over a predetermined vertical range. A loading member is coupled to the gripping device for lowering the gripping device from an upper position to a lower position and for raising the gripping device from the lower position to the upper position, and a positioning member is attached to the gripping device for engaging a complementary member when the gripping device is at the lower position.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Outokumpu OyjInventor: Tom Marttila
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Patent number: 6152427Abstract: A truck cap hoisting system includes a winch, at least one pulley, at least two support channels, at least two lifting strap assemblies, and a lifting line. The truck cap lifting system is preferably installed in a garage. The winch and a guide pulley are attached to a wall of the garage. The lift pulley is attached to a ceiling or an overhead beam. The lifting line is fastened to a lift ring and a reel of the winch. Each lifting strap assembly is threaded through one end of the at least two support channels. The truck cap is hoisted off the pick-up truck by first placing spacers between the truck box and the truck cap and sliding support channels in the gap. The same procedure is repeated for the opposite side. Four S-hooks extending from the at least two lifting assemblies are attached to the lift ring. The winch is then rotated until the truck cap is hoisted to a suitable height. The at least two support channels could be eliminated by forming at least four slots in the bottom of the truck cap sides.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Inventor: Glenn J. Hoslett
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Patent number: 6109857Abstract: A method of handling containers, for instance beverage containers, such as bottles, flasks, cans, etc. that shall be distributed to retailers in shallow trays suitable for display purposes. The trays are constructed to enable several container-loaded trays to be stacked one upon the other. Container-loaded trays are lifted by moving a number of carrier-supported grippers (9) into a corresponding number of upwardly open holes (6) provided in the tray in interspaces between the containers. The lifting devices are brought into engagement with the walls defining the holes and the tray can then be lifted and handled with the tray suspended by the carrier (8).Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: Lars Erik Trygg
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Patent number: 6048166Abstract: The present invention relates to a gantry depalletizer apparatus which can be employed in removing layers of articles, such as beverage containers, from pallets. Broadly, the apparatus includes a gantry frame upon which travels a depalletizer bridge. The bridge, in turn, includes a depalletizer head which travels vertically along a pair of rails. The head employs two pairs of depalletizing arms which are utilized in grasping articles to be loaded and unloaded.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Inventors: Frederick J. Stingel, Jr., Frederick J. Stingel, III, Jeffrey W. Stingel
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Patent number: 6000904Abstract: There is described an apparatus for storing and conveying standing, tubular workpieces (1) made of concrete in layers arranged one above the other, comprising a load pick-up device (6) to be connected to a hoist (2) and designed for at least two workpieces (1), which load pick-up device consists of a holding frame (11) extending above the workpieces (1) to be picked up and of holding arms (14) encompassing the workpieces (1) on the outside, which holding arms are mounted on the holding frame (11) so as to be movable transverse to the workpieces (1) and engage below a flange (15) of a bottom ring (16) of the workpieces (1), and comprising storage racks (21) to be coupled individually to the load pick-up device (6) and bridging the workpieces in the manner of a portal for accommodating the workpieces (1) in a further layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Inventor: Johann Schlusselbauer
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Patent number: 5993136Abstract: A mobile lift and storage apparatus for lifting, lowering, moving, and storing objects. A combination of the mobile lift and a stationary storage apparatus forming a stationary storage system for securing the mobile lift and the stored objects.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Coleman W. Vickary
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Patent number: 5984275Abstract: A truck cap hoisting system includes a winch, at least one pulley, a pair of support channels, a pair of lifting strap assemblies, and a lifting line. The truck cap lifting system is preferably installed in a garage. The winch and a guide pulley are attached to a wall of the garage. The lift pulley is attached to a ceiling or an overhead beam. The lifting line is fastened to a lift ring and a reel of the winch. Each lifting strap assembly is threaded through one end of the pair of support channels. The truck cap is hoisted off the pick-up truck by first placing spacers between the truck and truck cap and sliding support channels in the gap. The same procedure is repeated for the opposite side. Four S-hooks extending from the pair of lifting assemblies are attached to the lift ring. The winch is then rotated until the truck cap is hoisted to a suitable height. The pair of support channels could be eliminated by forming at least four slots in the bottom of the truck cap sides.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventor: Glenn J. Hoslett
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Patent number: 5941678Abstract: An overhead traveling carrier system carries a package along a rail supported by a roof, and stops a vehicle at a target position; when the vehicle of the overhead traveling carrier system enters an area around the target position, the overhead traveling carrier system stops the vehicle, and changes the relative position between the vehicle and a handling unit mounted on the vehicle during the downward motion of the handling unit toward the destination, thereby speedily aligning the package with the destination.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Daisuke Saito
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Patent number: 5931633Abstract: An appliance for collecting orders in warehouses wherein various goods are stored on pallets, which appliance includes a scoop having a support blade and a handle mounted to a bracket, and also being provided with equipment for suspending the scoop from a hoist mounted on an order-collection truck. A spring-operated clamp can be provided, which serves to engage the top surface of an article carried by the scoop. The clamp may be configured to actuate automatically upon operation of the hoist, through the use of a hoisting wire guided over or attached to an element of the clamp and also attached to or guided over an element of the scoop's bracket.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Cardos B.V.Inventor: Franciscus G. A. Weggelaar
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Patent number: 5897104Abstract: A hardtop storage apparatus for storing a removable automobile hardtop has an overhead hoist including a depending lifting member attached to a sling including sling members which extend around and under opposite extremities of the hardtop and across the underside of the hardtop and are releasably joined at the underside of the hardtop in such a way that the sling members support the hardtop with a cradling action and without any direct attachment of the sling members to the hardtop when the hoist is operated to lift the sling and hardtop to an elevated storage position. Certain of the sling members are spaced by a stabilizing member to maintain the cradled hardtop in a balanced position. One disclosed embodiment of the hardtop storage apparatus has a fabric cover which encloses the stored hardtop and mounts a sleeve containing the stabilizing bar of the hardtop sling.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Inventor: Michael J. Garbiso
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Patent number: 5888045Abstract: An apparatus for collecting strips of metal into stacks and transfering the stacks to a hopper of a press includes a stack accumulating and blocking pocket at an output of a cut-off shear, a stack lift, rotate and turn-over mechanism to reorient the stack prior to input to the hopper, and a gripper head on a transfer gantry to move the stack from the lift, rotate and turn-over mechanism to the hopper. The gripper head is movable to an angle in alignment with the feed angle of the hopper to deposit the stack on the top strip in the hopper in alignment therewith.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1995Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: AMECO CorporationInventors: Heinz Schmeisser, James A. Franz
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Patent number: 5848867Abstract: A storage rack is loaded and unloaded from the top with pallets carrying articles to be stored in and retrieved from the rack. The rack consists of a series of spaced columns arranged in parallel rows defining wells accessible from the top; the columns have vertically spaced, upwardly facing sets of steps protruding to an equal extent towards the centre of the wells. A crane is horizontally movable over the rack and stoppable above a selected well; it has a hoisting block which can be lowered between and guided by the columns of the selected well; a pair of hooks are pivoted to the hoisting block for movement towards and away from each other between opened and closed position; a pair of Z-shaped pallet holding beams adapted to carry a series of pallets aligned in end to end relation are suspended from the hooks and clear the steps when in closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1996Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Inventors: Pierre Gagnon, Pierre Laforest
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Patent number: 5816774Abstract: A setup for storing and transporting long workpieces includes at least two yokes in which the workpieces are received on a bottom part and between two vertical side parts joined thereto. The yokes are stackable on one another and the side parts have an engagement device for engagement of load receivers of a lifting system. The setup is provided such that the engagement device of the load receivers (69, 70, 75-78, 83, 84, 91, 92, 105, 106, 120, 121, 128, 129) are formed by at least one protrusion (58-61, 87, 88, 95, 96, 101) on the outside of each side part (32, 33). The lifting system (6), associated with each side part (32, 33), has two load receivers (69, 70, 75-78, 83, 84, 91, 92, 105, 106, 120, 121, 128, 129) and at least one load arm (26, 27, 73, 74, 82, 89, 90, 102, 118, 119, 126, 127) extending substantially vertically downward and supporting the load receivers (69, 70, 75-78, 83, 84, 91, 92, 105, 106, 120, 121, 128, 129).Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignees: Keuro Besitz GmbH & Co., EDV-Dienstleistungs KGInventors: Armin Stolzer, Oskar Schwarz
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Patent number: 5718771Abstract: A retractable traversing trash rake is provided for cleaning weedscreens or bar grates at an installation for generating power, filtering water, or the like. The trash rake includes a frame carrying a troney movable from a position inside the frame to a position outside the frame. The trolley carries a trash rake which may be lowered to clean the weedscreen, and the trolley may be moved to a position within the frame, where the trash rake may be opened to deposit collected debris into a hopper. The hopper is pivotally mounted for tilting in opposite direction to provide multiple dumping options. A method of cleaning weedscreen by using a retractable traversing trash rake is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Brackett Green, U.S.A., Inc.Inventors: Wayne G. Cassell, Wesley A. Reetz, Trent T. Gathright
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Patent number: 5690464Abstract: A pair of spaced, parallel beams are designed to hold a group of aligned, contiguous article carrying pallets. Each beam has a web of uniform width with a lower, inturned flange to extend under the side edges of the aligned pallets and an upper outturned flange to be picked up by the pivoted jaws of a crane. These jaws together with a pusher/puller carriage are mounted on a long frame suspended from the crane which travels across one face of a rack in which pairs of parallel tracks are arranged in a grid. The pair of jaws, carrying the beams or pallet holders are closed to position the latter under the sides of a group of aligned, contiguous, article carrying pallets assembled at a pick-up station. The pallet carrying holders are aligned by the crane with any selected pair of tracks. One end of the frame latches to the rack and the pusher-puller carriage latches to one end of the pallet holders and pushes the same and their load off the jaws and onto the tracks.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Gestion Laforest Inc.Inventors: Pierre Gagnon, Pierre Laforest
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Patent number: 5651659Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manipulating concrete products having first and second ends. The apparatus comprises first and second engaging assemblies for engaging the first and second ends of the product. The engaging assemblies are mounted on a structural assembly. At least one of the engaging assemblies is displaced along the structural assembly towards the other of the engaging assemblies to grip the concrete product therebetween. A rotational actuator may be provided for each of the engaging assemblies for rotating the concrete product from a casting orientation into an installation orientation. The structural assembly may accommodate one or more sets of engaging assemblies and may be designed to allow fine adjustment of these assemblies relative to the concrete products to be manipulated.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Concrete Products IncorporatedInventors: Douglas W. Myers, R. Gary Fjelland
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Patent number: 5642979Abstract: Converts any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. A safety chain is incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power hoist, with load sensing brake, and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift, which continuously grips the core firmly, in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the hoist cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the hoist cable is activated.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: N.R.S. Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ralph E. Cullen, John Robert Sjolund
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Patent number: 5622468Abstract: A disposal facility for loading objects stored in a bin into a container. The facility includes a plurality of subassemblies, each having a bin and a container. A movable gantry is disposed for movement over each of the subassemblies. A movable gripping assembly, coupled to a carriage traversing an upper section of the gantry, moves perpendicular to the direction of movement of the carriage. The movable gripping assembly includes an activation device for raising the bin, from a rest position to a position above the container, opening the bottom of the bin, closing the bottom of the bin, and replacing the bin to its original rest position.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Robin S.A.Inventor: Michel Viollet
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Patent number: 5570990Abstract: A human guided mobile loader stocker developed to mechanically assist in SMIF container movement. The assist includes a pushcart, a semi-motorized transport arm, a processor, and communication devices. A group of containers are placed on the cart using the arm. The cart is pushed to a semiconductor processing tool where the arm is used to transfer containers to and from the port of the processing tool. The processor and communication devices are used for inventory control and guiding the container to the port of the processing tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1993Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: ASYST Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Bruce A. Richardson, Michael D. Brain, Edward J. Cortez, Barney H. Huang
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Patent number: 5568720Abstract: Doffer system for a textile machine, in particular for a multiposition textile machine, comprising a guiding device (3, 4, 5), which is arranged in front of and above a machine front, a transport unit (14) traveling along the guiding device (3, 4, 5), a hoisting device (17, 19) which allows to lower and raise the carrying frame (20), and at least one receiving mandrel (23, 24) which is arranged on the carrying frame (20) horizontally extending therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1994Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: Barmag AGInventors: Udo Teich, Ludger A. Deters
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Patent number: 5562394Abstract: Core plugs, which are intended for insertion in the ends of cores on which large rolls of paper are wound, are lifted and maneuvered into position by an apparatus having an elongated horizontal spreader beam that rides on an overhead track. The beam has support arms mounted on each end, the arms being movable horizontally on the beam by a worm gear apparatus. The support arms each carry a hook that reaches downward for grasping of axially extending stubs at the outer ends of core plugs. Each arm has a pneumatically actuated rod with a clamping block on its lower end. The blocks are projectable downward to engage the stubs and secure the core plugs in position on the hooks. Vertical movement of the plugs is provided by a hoist which raises and lowers the beam. With the plugs in place at each end, the paper roll is lifted onto a supporting cradle in position for insertion of spindles of a mill stand. This supports the roll as the paper is being unwound.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Brown Paper Converting Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Billy E. Brown, Jr.
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Patent number: 5562393Abstract: Handling apparatus, in particular a telescopic cylinder having at least one retractable and extendable telescopic part. For handling objects, in particular bobbins of wound packaging material, in conjunction with packaging machines, use can be made of long-stroke telescopic members (10) which effect the automatic movement of a load-bearing pin for each bobbin. The telescopic members (10) can be extended by compressed air and can be drawn in by a tension member (20). The tension member (20) is arranged outside the telescopic member (10), is fixedly anchored by one end, and can be wound up and unwound by the other end. The tension member (20) runs over a deflection wheel (23) arranged at the free end of the telescopic member (10), namely on a piston rod (15) of the same.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1994Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)Inventors: Heinz Focke, Pavel Livotov
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Patent number: 5516255Abstract: A clamping apparatus for lifting objects includes a frame and first and second opposing clamping arms pivotably supported by the frame about first and second parallel axes. Each clamping arm has a contact portion. A drive member is connected to the first and second clamping arms to simultaneously pivot the first and second clamping arms about the first and second axes. The height of the contact portions when spaced apart by a first separation is the same as when spaced apart by a second separation. As a result, the clamping apparatus can securely grasp both square and elongated rectangular objects.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Tygard Machine & Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Edward Tygard
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Patent number: 5513944Abstract: The disclosure is directed to convert any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. Two safety chains are incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power winch and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the winch cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the winch cable is activated. Even though a fork truck may be stationary, the center lift is free to guide into the roll because the roll center lift is connected to a flexible cable and flexible chain.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1995Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: N.R.S. Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ralph E. Cullen, John R. Sjolund
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Patent number: 5513945Abstract: The apparatus for removing the waste layer arising in cutting porous concrete blocks comprises a beam (1) which extends above the porous concrete block in its longitudinal direction and can be raised and lowered, and at least two horizontal support frames (2, 2') mounted thereon and movable in height, which are arranged in pairs opposite one another to the two sides of a vertical central plane (M) of the beam (1) and beneath the same. A plurality of spikes (5, 5') which can be stuck into the waste layer are provided on the underside of each support frame (2, 2') and are aligned with their points facing down at an angle. All spikes (5) of the first support frame (2) of each frame pair (P) are parallel to one another and inclined at an acute angle (.mu.) to the longitudinal central plane (M) and all spikes (5') of the opposite second support frame (2') are parallel to one another and inclined at an opposite acute angle (.mu.l) to the longitudinal central plane (M).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Hebel AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wilfried Hartmann, Eberhard Ansorge
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Patent number: 5490756Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1993Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: RTI CorporationInventors: Ronald E. Reichert, Donald Beuch
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Patent number: 5489184Abstract: A loading device for picking up and repositioning a plurality of upright cylinders arranged in a rectangular array includes a rectangular-shaped frame and a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the frame. A first fixed wall depends from a first end of the frame, and a second fixed wall depends from a second end of the frame adjacent the first end. A first movable wall adjacent a third end of the frame opposes the first fixed wall, and a second movable wall adjacent a fourth end of the frame opposes the second fixed wall. The first and second fixed walls and the first and second movable walls surround a rectangular-shaped enclosed area. A first motive mechanism couples the frame and the first movable wall for moving the first movable wall in a first direction, normal to the first fixed wall, for clamping the array between the first movable wall and the first fixed wall while maintaining the first movable wall vertical.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Westinghouse Electric CorporationInventor: Thomas B. Huggins
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Patent number: 5487638Abstract: An apparatus (10) for loading a roll of web (1) from a stack (3) along a first axis (7) into a chamber (2) along a second axis (8) has a pivotable support member (12) and an engaging means (16) having a head member (18) attached to the support member (12) for engaging a roll along the first axis (7) and guiding the roll (1) into the chamber (4) along the second (8). The support member (12) pivots between a first position in alignment with the stack (3) along the first axis (7) and, a second position in alignment with the chamber opening (4) along the second axis (8). A guide means (22) comprising a guide track (24) having first and second elevation positions and predetermined first, second and third stopping means (30) , (53) , (44) are provided to ensure that the engaging means (16) precisely and repeatedly locates at the desired positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1993Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Fredric S. Salsburg, Matthew D. Fairbrother
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Patent number: 5486083Abstract: A process of handling a frame of a vehicle and an apparatus for a lift truck for handling a frame of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a support frame operatively connected to and cantilevered from the lift truck and a carriage suspended from the support frame. The carriage includes at least two oppositely acting depending arms for handling the vehicle frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1994Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: J Star ConsolidatedInventor: Terry L. Thompson
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Patent number: 5480279Abstract: A gripper for handling printed product rolls and empty roll cores is used for intermittently storing printed products wound on roll cores. The gripper has a central piece (10), which is fixed to a conveying or transporting device and which carries a gripper arm star or spider (20). On the gripper arm star (20) is a substantially circular array of radially movable roll clamping devices (30) for clamping a roll or rolls (W) from the periphery thereof and core supports (40) for engaging and supporting a rosette-shaped arrangement of juxtaposed roll cores (WK). The core supports (40) are pivotable so that, in a core handling configuration of the gripper, they are positioned within the circle formed by the roll clamping devices and in a roll handling configuration of the gripper they are moved out of that circle. The movements of the gripper parts are driven by linear drives and monitored by sensors, so that the gripper can operate in a fully automated manner.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: SFT AG SpontanfordertechnikInventor: Hans-Ulrich Stauber
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Patent number: 5440943Abstract: A positioner facilitates docking and undocking of an electronic test head with a device handler. The position provides for rotation of the test head about a first axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: inTEST CorporationInventors: Alyn R. Holt, Robert E. Matthiessen, Christopher L. West
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Patent number: 5391045Abstract: Sliver-processing textile machines and can exchange stations include a can transport carriage to be moved in a given direction of motion for manipulating sliver cans having upper rims with outer peripheries. A can manipulating device is movable on the can transport carriage above the cans in a direction transverse to the given direction of motion for manipulating the sliver cans during an automatic can exchange. Four gripper elements for gripping the sliver cans to be manipulated are disposed at four mutually spaced-apart locations at the outer peripheries of the upper rims of the cans.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1994Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignee: W. Schlafhorst AG & CO.Inventors: Hans Raasch, Hans-Werner Schwalm
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Patent number: 5310304Abstract: A load-lifting device includes a load carrying beam at whose underside are arranged load-lifting magnets and which has on both sides vertical support columns, wherein securing arms of a load securing device are arranged on the vertical support columns so as to be swingable and in out about a vertical axis. The securing arms engage underneath a suspended load when oriented toward each other in a secured position. The support columns are each arranged on upper support arms which are swingably fastened to a lifting device. The lifting device is supported by the load carrying beam. The securing arms engage in the secured position thereof underneath a suspended load and can be placed against the underside of the load.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1992Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Heppenstall Holding AGInventor: Guido Baumgartner
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Patent number: 5306111Abstract: From a packing case containing a plurality of reels in plural rows and lines and in plural stages with separators interposed between adjacent stages, the reels and separators are taken out one stage after another and transferred to different locations. The apparatus generally comprises a first conveyer for conveying the case, a second conveyer for conveying the reels provided on one side of said first conveyer, a third conveyer for conveying the separators provided on the other side of said first conveyer, a first carriage adapted to travel along overhead rails between the respective overhead positions of the first and second conveyers and having reel attracting devices free to descend and ascend and a second carriage adapted to travel along the overhead rails between the respective overhead positions of the first conveyer and third conveyer and having separator attracting devices free to ascend and descend.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1993Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshihiko Higashiura