Abstract: A forklift includes a lift bracket which is supported on a mast so as to be capable of being moved upward or downward along the mast, and a fork member having a fork claw portion on which a pallet is allowed to be placed, and supported on the lift bracket. The lift bracket has a support portion which is on a tip portion of the lift bracket and supports the fork member. When a weight is applied onto the fork claw portion, the fork member is configured to rotate around the support portion which is configured to serve as a pivot, in response to an application force exerted onto the fork claw portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving different movable loads. The apparatus includes channels that can be engaged by a fork lift, pallet jack, or other powered mover. The apparatus also includes a mounting plate disposed between the channels. The mounting plate includes a receiver channel. The apparatus includes a plurality of load support tools that can selectively engage the receiver channel. The load support tools include different respective end effectors. A load can be engaged with the end effector of a selected load support tool such that the apparatus can move the load.

Abstract: An industrial truck is described, such as a tri-lateral sideloader, comprising a truck body, wheels connected to the truck body by wheel suspensions, a mast, a plurality of operating components designed to carry out operating functions of the industrial truck, a control unit designed to actuate the operating components, and a detection apparatus designed to detect an operating parameter and/or a parameter of the environment. Here, the industrial truck further comprises a prediction unit designed to predict the occurrence of vibrations on the industrial truck based on data provided by the detection apparatus and to provide prediction data to the control unit. Based on the prediction data, the control unit is further designed to adapt the actuation of at least one of the operating components and/or to actuate an apparatus for reducing vibrations such that the vibrations predicted by the prediction unit are reduced.

Abstract: An ophthalmic examination suite includes an instrument delivery stand, a base coupled with the instrument delivery stand and including a base plate, a carriage moveable on the base plate, and a chair supported by the carriage and configured to receive a seated patient thereon. The chair is laterally moveable with the carriage between an examination position and a stowed position. A space is created next to the chair when the chair is in the stowed position, and the space is configured to receive a wheelchair during an eye examination.

Abstract: A camera crane carrier includes a vehicle having a front end and a back end. A front elevator is movable vertically between up and down positions, at a forward position on a deck vehicle. A back elevator is movable vertically between up and down positions, at a rearward position, below the deck. A ramp may be provided on the vehicle, with the ramp extendible from the deck at the back end of the vehicle to the ground. The elevators allow a camera crane to be more easily loaded onto the vehicle, and also allow lowering the center of gravity of the loaded vehicle. The vehicle may optionally be used as a camera car when not carrying a camera crane.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible game animal lifting apparatus comprising a horizontal base member, a vertical support member pivotably attached to the base member, a horizontal lift member pivotably and slidably attached to the support member, and a winch attached to the support member. The winch is operably connected to the lift member for raising and lowering the lift member. The winch is operable to unwind a winch cable from the winch and thereby lower the lift member to receive the game animal thereupon. The winch is further operable to wind the winch cable about the winch and thereby raise the lift member to a desired height to assist in transferring the game animal to a transport vehicle.

Abstract: A mining elevator lapping platform suitable for a flexible guide rail and a mining elevator lapping method. The lapping platform mainly comprises a support claw package (1) and a power package (2), wherein the support claw package (1) comprises a mounting plate (1-14), a screw rod bearing base (1-15), a screw rod (1-4), a screw nut (1-2), a support rod (1-5), a pushing rod (1-3), a support claw (1-6). a footboard (1-7), a guide rail (1-9) and a guide rail frame (1-12); the power package (2) comprises an explosion-proof motor (2-1) and a bevel gear; and the support claw package (1) and the power package (2) are both installed on a cross beam (3) below an elevator car.

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 materials handling vehicle includes a power unit, a mast assembly coupled to the power unit, and a reach assembly coupled for vertical movement on the mast assembly. The mast assembly includes first, second, and third weldments, wherein the first weldment is fixed to the power unit, the second weldment is movable with respect to the first weldment, and the third weldment is movable with respect to the first and second weldments. The reach assembly includes an extension/retraction mechanism for effecting horizontal movement of the reach assembly relative to the mast assembly. Components of the vehicle have been redesigned and/or rearranged to improve operator visibility.

Abstract: A workstation to aid in the manual unloading of a pallet. The workstation comprises a work area bounded on tows ides by a pallet load platform, a takeaway conveyor, and two parallel conveyors. An operator standing in the work area removes pallet elements from the top layer of the pallet load and places them on one or the other parallel conveyors, which convey them to the takeaway conveyor. The parallel conveyors, which may be tilted gravity conveyors or powered conveyors, are hinged so that they can be raised to an open position allowing operator to enter or exit the work area. The pallet layer may be supported on a tilted scissor lift.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a wind turbine blade. The vehicle comprises a blade connection device for connecting a first end of the blade to the vehicle, wherein the blade connection device comprise a tilting device for elevating an opposite end of the blade and wherein a tip end of the blade is orientated in a forward direction of the vehicle. A control system for controlling the tilting device of a vehicle and a method for transporting a wind turbine blade are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pallet and product protector for use with a forklift having a carriage assembly and a pair of L-shaped forks, including a horizontally elongated plate having a pair of cutouts defined in the lower edge thereof, each cutout being sized and shaped to receive a horizontal tong of an L-shaped fork, and a vertically elongated plate disposed rearward of the horizontally elongated plate and coupled thereto by a pivotable coupling.

Abstract: A control system for a machine which includes a load handling apparatus, the load is moveable relative to a body of the machine by the load handling apparatus. The machine including a pivot about which a tipping moment is produced by the load. The load handling apparatus including an actuator and is capable of moving the load to a position at which the tipping moment is at a predetermined threshold value. The control system includes a sensor which senses the tipping moment and in use, provides an input to a controller. The controller is responsive to the input to influence operation of the actuator so that in the event that the sensor senses that the value of the tipping moment is approaching the threshold value, the speed of movement of the load is progressively reduced.

Abstract: An industrial truck is shown with a lifting frame, on which a load-receiving section is arranged so as to be movable vertically. The load-receiving section has at least one degree of movement freedom with respect to the lifting frame, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the main direction of travel of the industrial truck and has at least one horizontal component. In addition, a vibration control system is provided for damping or preventing vibrations in the relative position of load-receiving section and lifting frame.

Abstract: A motorized means of transporting loads includes a fork lift mechanism that features a set of anchored chains fitted to a set of lifting forks for lifting and lowering a load. With a combination electrical/hydraulic system, the lifting and lowering functions can be efficiently obtained. Two load supporting outriggers are provided which can be extended or retracted while transporting a load to aid in navigating constricted spaces. A tilting mast and fork assembly allows for a manipulation of the center of gravity while transporting loads. A joystick function controls the forward, turning, reverse, lifting, and extending and retracting the outriggers. A battery enabled transport provides for flash charging of the onboard batteries to extend useful life.

Abstract: A vehicle display includes a base and a platform. A bearing between the base and the platform mounts the platform on the base for rotation about an upright axis. A rotator drive is provided for rotating the platform on the base. The apparatus also includes a base mounting column mounting the base on the ground. The column includes a lifting device for varying the height of the column between a lowered position with the platform substantially at ground level and a raised position with the platform positioned above ground level. With the column lowered, a vehicle may be driven onto the platform, tied down as necessary, lifted to the raised position and rotated for display purposes. This provides a simple drive on-drive off display that is visually very effective, easy to use and unobtrusive when not in use.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle, such as an AGV, for loading and unloading a transport and wherein the vehicle includes a pair of freely floating forks. The forks are freely moveable in the vertical direction as well as capable of pivoting or tilting about an axis relative to a fork carriage, however when a load is applied, the forks are locked are prevented from such free floating movement.

Abstract: A method of separating a number of vials from a plurality of vials disposed in several rows is disclosed. The vials being at first caused to move onto one transfer plane and being then caused to move further beyond the transfer plane in order for the vials intended to be separated to reach a surface adjoining the transfer plane, via the transfer plane, and that the remaining vials remain on the transfer plane. Providing a method of the type mentioned herein above, ensures that the vials are evacuated properly and completely without discrete vials toppling. This is achieved in that the vials still standing on the transfer plane adjacent the surface are next lifted or that the surface is lowered in order for the vials remaining on the transfer plane not to touch the surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a storage rack that can onload, secure, and offload a human transporter device such as a SEGWAY HT. The storage rack is attached to a vehicle such as a postal vehicle. The vehicle can thus transport a human transporter while the human transporter is itself secured to the storage rack. The storage rack includes a ramp. A human transporter can be loaded onto the storage rack under its own power by moving up the ramp, and the human transporter can be offloaded from the storage rack under its own power by moving down the ramp. The ramp is secured to the storage rack in an upright position when the carrying vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A vehicle display lift and rotator includes a base and a platform. A bearing between the base and the platform mounts the platform on the base for rotation about an upright axis. A rotator drive is provided for rotating the platform on the base. The apparatus also includes a base mounting column mounting the base on the ground. The column includes a lifting device for varying the height of the column between a lowered position with the platform substantially at ground level and a raised position with the platform positioned above ground level. With the column lowered, a vehicle may be driven onto the platform, tied down as necessary, lifted to the raised position and rotated for display purposes. This provides a simple drive on-drive off display that is visually very effective, easy to use and unobtrusive when not in use.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a stabilizer for providing support and stabilization during lifting of an object is provided. A conventional lifting mechanism, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical jack, provides force for lifting an object and is attached at a top end to the stabilizer. The stabilizer comprises an upright portion including a shoulder for attaching the stabilizer to the lifting mechanism, a toe portion near the bottom end of the upright portion, an adjustable stabilizing arm for providing support and stabilization, and a mechanism for adjusting the upright arm. The toe portion can be positioned underneath the object to be moved, and the upright arm moved against the side of the object. Support and stabilization of the lifting apparatus and the object is provided by the stabilizer during lifting and when the object is suspended above the floor.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a stabilizer for providing support and stabilization during lifting of an object is provided. A conventional lifting mechanism, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical jack, provides force for lifting an object and is attached at a top end to the stabilizer. The stabilizer comprises an upright portion including a shoulder for attaching the stabilizer to the lifting mechanism, a toe portion near the bottom end of the upright portion, an adjustable stabilizing arm for providing support and stabilization, and a mechanism for adjusting the upright arm. The toe portion can be positioned underneath the object to be moved, and the upright arm moved against the side of the object. Support and stabilization of the lifting apparatus and the object is provided by the stabilizer during lifting and when the object is suspended above the floor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lifting device for low-weight loads, and may have a lift and tilt arrangement comprising one single lift arm and one single tilt arm. In that case those arms can either be located centrally in relation to the platform or at one of its sides. Two lift arms and two tilt arms together may be used with related link arms, those lift and tilt arms then being suitably journalled on a common horizontal shaft and the link arms on another horizontal shaft, those two shafts extending transversely to the load-supporting portion of the platform.

Abstract: A reclining support for a wheelchair includes a supporting platform wall that supports all four wheels of a wheelchair on a surface, and which has a backstop wall for stopping the large rear wheels of a wheelchair so that the wheelchair is stably supported on the platform. Clamps are used for holding the frame on the platform, so that the wheelchair does not move. The platform is mounted onto a base frame through a pivot mounting so it can be tilted rearwardly, and also the platform is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base frame. The base frame has four wheels for stably supporting the platform.

Abstract: A lift/tilt assembly for use in a semiconductor wafer processing device is set forth. The lift/tilt assembly includes a linear way comprising a fixed frame and a moveable frame. A nest for accepting a plurality of semiconductor wafers is rotatably connected to the moveable frame. The nest rotates between a wafer-horizontal orientation and a wafer-vertical orientation as it is driven with the movable frame by a motor that is coupled to the linear way. A lever connected to the nest provides an offset from true vertical for the nest when the nest is in the wafer-vertical orientation.

Abstract: A lifting device for attachment to a vehicle such as a four wheel motorcycle, the lifting device including upper and lower mounting members and for mounting the device to the framework of the vehicle, a mast which is pivotally connected to the mounting members for tilting movement about a generally horizontal axis by members of a tilting ram which acts between the mounting members and the mast, the lifting device further including a pair of forks and a forklift ram which is operable to raise and lower the forks.

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 double-deck parking device is provided for parking two cars one above the other in order to more efficiently utilize available parking space. The parking device includes a platform which may be moved to a position adjacent a base plate for locating a vehicle thereon. The platform may be raised above the base plate and another vehicle may be parked on the base plate. The platform may be further raised to a vertical position to allow vehicles of differing heights to be mounted on the base plate thus accommodating differing vehicle heights.

Abstract: A dumper for use in dumping the contents of a container. The dumper includes a hollow receiving portion for receiving therein at least an upper end of the container and an outlet portion for guiding contents emanating from the container to a desired location. A mechanism for effecting a relative movement between the receiving portion and the upper end of the container and an orientation of the receiving portion onto the upper end of the container is provided. An inflatable bladder mechanism is mounted on an inwardly facing surface of the receiving portion and oriented to engage a peripheral side surface of the container, when inflated, with sufficient force to clamp and hold the container to the receiving portion. A tipping mechanism is also provided for tipping the receiving portion and the container in unison only when the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: A wall board lifting and positioning apparatus which includes an elongated boom having first and second ends and apparatus for holding an associated individual panel. The apparatus for holding is carried on the elongated boom proximate to the first end thereof and apparatus for moving the boom through a plurality of substantially coplanar positions. The apparatus includes apparatus for pivoting and rotating the apparatus for holding to position the apparatus for holding. In some forms of the invention the apparatus for moving includes a first elongated control link and a second elongated control link. The boom may be supported on a head member. The first control link and the second control link may be each pivotally connected to the head member and may also be pivotally connected to the boom.

Abstract: A package transfer apparatus comprising flappers which are juxtaposed at a travel start position of a package changing robot having attaching arms for supporting and attaching bobbin ends of packages to pegs of a creel, and are circulated while putting thereon packages supplied from a package supply section, and a tilting mechanism for tilting the flappers to transfer the package to the attaching arms.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading objects including a first carriage; apparatus for moving the first carriage back and forth in a straight line in a first plane between a first position and second position; a second carriage; apparatus for moving the second carriage back and forth between the first position and the second position such that, when the first carriage is in the first position, the second carriage is in the second position and, as the first carriage moves to the second position, the second carriage moves out of the first plane, then back into the first plane and into the first position; and apparatus for tilting both carriages to provide ready access to their insides at least when each carriage is in its first position.

Abstract: A roll conveyance device for conveying rolls and attaching or detaching the rolls in a roll applying apparatus includes guide pillars, and a roll rest having a plane on which a plurality of the rolls are positioned. The roll rest is movably supported by the guide pillars and has two mutually divisible sections so that the roll rest is foldable. A roll rest moving device vertically moves the roll rest.

Abstract: A handling apparatus, used for handling a carrier of semiconductor wafers, comprises a first mechanism for transferring a carrier between a loader/unloader table and a storage compartment, and a second mechanism, for moving the first mechanism in both vertical and horizontal directions. The first mechanism includes an arm, a loading portion for loading the carrier, and an arm-rocking mechanism. The second mechanism moves the first mechanism to the loader/unloader table, picks up the carrier, and then moves the first mechanism to the storage compartment, where the arm is rocked, so as to discharge the object from the loading portion.

Abstract: A vehicle display lift has a vertical mast containing a hoist mechanism which raises and lowers a movable carriage. A cantilever support member connected to the carriage extends outwardly from the mast and has a vehicle support frame on its outer end which receives and supports a vehicle. A low ramp allows the vehicle to be driven onto the support frame at ground level whereupon the hoist mechanism is activated so that the carriage is lifted and guided within the mast causing the vehicle support frame and vehicle to be elevated. The location of the vehicle on the pivotally attached vehicle support frame is such that the center of gravity is forward of the pivot thereby forcing the frame and vehicle to tilt forward as they are elevated until a predetermined tilt angle is achieved at which time the tilting action stops as the elevation continues.

Abstract: A height and tilt adjustable wheelchair support has a stationary base (30) with a main support leg (38) thereon. A platform (50) receives a wheelchair (20) and the platform (50) is connected to the main support leg (38) via a chassis (70), vertically movable via a length extendable cylinder (78) connected between the base (30) and the chassis (70). A second length-adjustable cylinder (88) rotates the wheelchair supporting platform (50) relative to the chassis (70) around a pivot (92) such that the wheelchair (20) can be raised, lowered, or tilted, via independent controls.

Abstract: A parcel sorting and distributing apparatus includes a plurality of inclined chutes which receive parcels at their open upper ends. Each parcel slides down a chute into a receptacle such as a mail hamper. The chutes are vertically stacked and arranged in a spoke-like fashion about a circle with the aggregate of their upper ends forming a cylindrical surface. A rotatable vertical mast at the axis of the cylinder includes a pivotally mounted carrier. In one position the carrier retains a parcel; when it pivots to a second position, the parcel spills out into one of the chutes. A first motor causes the mast to rotate and a second motor drives the carrier vertically along the mast. A parcel which has been identified as to its destination is loaded into the carrier, and a controller controls the first motor, the second motor and the carrier pivot so as to convey the parcel to the appropriate receptacle.

Abstract: A system for positioning an electronic test head of a test system with respect to an electronic device handler. A housing is provided having a vertical shaft. A positioner assembly moves vertically with respect to the shaft and provides substantial movement in the horizontal plane with six degrees of freedom. The positioner assembly includes a section for attaching the test head. A counterbalancing assembly is coupled to the positioner assembly and has a counterweight to provide a substantially weightless condition to the positioner assembly with the test head attached.

Abstract: A lifting fork intended to be suspended from a lifting member, e.g. a lifting hook (4) of a hoisting crane, and which includes forks (2), a lifting shank (3) to which a movable attachment (7,11,14) for the lifting hook (4) is attached, and a connecting bar (5) extending between the forks and the lifting shank. In order to facilitate the withdrawal of the forks (2) from the load the point of action of the lifting force at the lifting fork by moving the attachment (7,11,14) is movable from the position at the lifting shank (3) to a position close to the rear end of the forks (2). This can be achieved in many ways, i.e. by means of the attachment (7,11,14) being displaceable from the lifting shank (3) down along the connecting bar (5) or by the connecting bar (5) or a part thereof possibly together with the lifting shank being pivotable backwards - downwards.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring pipe between pipe racks and the drilling rig floor including a stationary trough located below and extending towards the drilling rig and a movable, inclined trough aligned with the stationary trough having one end supported on the drilling floor and the other end powered to move between a lower position for transferring pipe to and from the stationary trough and an upper position for transferring pipe to and from the drilling floor. Two pair of racking legs extending between the pipe racks and the fixed trough are provided. Each leg has a cradling lug which moves up and down the leg powered by a hydraulic cylinder, thereby lifting the pipe along the leg. Further, each leg is able to pivot in two directions about a pivoting structure. The pipe when moving in the troughs is held at one end by a shovel member which is engageable by the buggy traveling along the stationary trough and is also engageable by the carriage in the inclined trough.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle has an elongated space between a drivers cab at the front and a garbage compactor at the rear, one side of the space being occupied by a glass collection bin and a can collection bin. The other side of the space is occupied by a newspaper receptacle, between a glass hopper and a can hopper. The collection bins move several feet laterally and then tilt to dump away from the side of the vehicle. The paper receptacle tilts to discharge. The hopper and vertical conveyors are enclosed and the conveyors cannot move unless the access doors are closed. All actuations are hydraulically powered with "dead man" safety control valves.

Abstract: A load manipulating apparatus including a turnstile 10 supported for rotation about a fixed stub shaft 30 defining a substantially vertical axis, an elevating mechanism 12 supported for vertical reciprocating motion by the turnstile, and a rotatable operating arm 14 carried by the elevating mechanism including a mechanism 205 for releasably engaging a load receiving container 18. Support columns 22 defining a path of motion for the elevating mechanism include integral fluid reservoirs that form part of a fluid pressure operating system for effecting movements in the turnstile, elevator, operating arm, and container engaging mechanism.

Abstract: An article handling device is adapted for storing and readying cassettes, film cards and other information carriers of essentially equal size. The device comprises a support frame including a plurality of compartments for accepting articles to be stored, these compartments being arranged in vertically oriented rows of generally aligned, opposing pairs of compartments, with the rows being spaced apart from one another to define a passageway between the rows, each compartment having an inclined floor member, with the floor members of each compartment pair being inclined outwardly away from the passageway; and apparatus for selectively inserting an article into one of the compartments, comprising a lifting assembly which is vertically displaceable in the passageway and an article carrier mounted on the lifting assembly such that the carrier is tiltable from the horizontal position bilaterally to an angle which is parallel to the inclined floor member of either compartment of a compartment pair.