Abstract: A system is used for lifting a heavy oversized structural element. At least two opposing lifts are placement adjacent opposing sides of the element. Each lift includes a base, a tower, an elevator, and an actuator. The tower extending vertically from the base, and the elevator is disposed on the tower. A support extends from the elevator outward from the tower to engage a point on the element. A guide of the elevator is configured to ride along a rail of the tower. The actuator is connected to the elevator and is configured to move with the elevator vertically along the tower. The actuator can include a strand jack disposed on the elevator. Hydraulic operation of the stand jack moves the jack and elevator along a strand extending along the tower. The arrangements of the lifts leave space below the raised element free for access to other operations.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus and method of adjusting a vertical position of a sheet input of a sheet processing apparatus includes a support of the apparatus having first vertically elongated guiding members and second vertically elongated guiding members. The second guiding members are slideably arranged at the first guiding members. The first guiding members are connected to at least one base member, and the second guiding members are connected to a support frame. A vertical position of at least one of the second guide members is adjustable relative to a corresponding one of the first guide members in order to adjust a vertical position of the sheet input.

Abstract: A multi-lift for lifting and storing motorcycles and other vehicles includes a column, incorporating a vertical threaded shaft therein. The shaft is capable of rotation in opposite directions through a reversing motor. The shaft has a threaded carriage mounted thereon, so that as the shaft rotates in one direction, the vehicle laden carriage may be elevated for storing a vehicle or the reversing motor may be turned in an opposite direction, for lowering a vehicle laden carriage, to provide for unloading a vehicle. The threaded carriage that mounts on the threaded shaft may hold one or more wheeled vehicles, and is telescopically constructed so as to extend its length, to allow for storing one or more vehicles lengthwise thereon.

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: Device for receiving and for transporting an article, which device has receiving means which can be slid under the article by a sliding unit, characterized in that the receiving means are formed by rollers (10) which are arranged transversely to the direction in which they are slid under the article (1) by the sliding unit (20) and are driven in such a way that their circumferential velocity is equal in amount, but opposite in direction, to the speed at which they are slid under the article (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing bulk cargo from an intermodal container, which includes an upper frame mounted on an intermodal container transfer equipment device, a middle frame mounted on the upper frame and a lower frame mounted on the middle frame with the lower frame engaging an intermodal container. The middle and lower frames are arranged to pivot with respect to each other about an axis near one end of the frames. A winch motor is positioned on the upper frame and a cable is attached to the lower frame so the lower frame can pivot away from the upper and middle frames and empty the contents of the intermodal container.

Abstract: A forklift has a travelling carriage, a straddle arm disposed on the travelling carriage, a mast disposed on the straddle arm to be reciprocally movable in a horizontal direction, a fork disposed on the mast to be movable up and down, and a cover disposed on the travelling carriage. When the mast is in a reach-in operation, the cover covers at least an upper side of an article supported by the fork.

Abstract: Low-lifting floor conveyor truck, in which in a driving unit a driving wheel as well as a driving motor for the driving wheel are mounted and a steering appliance for the driving wheel, which is rotatable around a vertical axis, and at least one lifting cylinder are disposed, and in which further two parallel load arms are attached on a load unit, each of which being provided on the front end with one load wheel which on its part is beared in a rocker arm, the lifting cylinder acting upon the load unit and a linkage transmission is disposed between the driving unit and the rocker arm, which according to a lifting path of the lifting unit adjusts the rocker arm in height with respect to the load arms, and by doing this the load wheels also, a bearing component being linked to the upper end of the lifting cylinder, which is connected with the load unit via a screwed connection, the screwed connection in its detached state allowing for a limited relative displacement of bearing component and load unit.

Abstract: An industrial truck for handling pallets. The truck includes a drive unit and a load unit. The load unit includes two load-receiving arms that receive the pallet and that are oriented in the direction of motion of the truck, i.e., in a longitudinal direction of the industrial truck. The load-receiving arms, when viewed from the direction of motion of the truck, are provided on different sides of the pallet to be picked up and include a plurality of pallet pick-ups that are spaced apart in the direction of motion of the truck and that are engaged or disengaged with the pallet by a transversal motion with respect to the direction of motion of the truck.

Abstract: A high flotation forklift with six degrees of freedom for movement of the fork assembly is provided. All of the movements to the fork assembly can be done while the forklift itself remains stationary. In addition to the conventional up-down movement, side-side movement, and front-back tilt, the present forklift provides for forward and backward fork movement, left-right yaw and side-to-side tilting while the forklift itself remains stationary. This allows for exact placement of any item, and is especially suited for placement of turf trays.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a horizontal framework having a connector connected to a bridge crane trolley and a motor mounted on the horizontal framework, a telescoping mast unit coupled to one side of the horizontal framework and having upper, middle, and lower mast assembly and adjusting a height of the lifting apparatus, a fork tine assembly adjusting the tine center to center distance, and a counterbalance coupled to the other side of the horizontal framework is provided. The horizontal framework is coupled to an overhead bridge crane and is accessible to any load located within a minimum amount of aisle space.

Abstract: A wafer support device is provided. The wafer support device includes a susceptor having a surface configured to support a bottom surface of a wafer. The susceptor has a plurality of guiding recesses. The wafer support device also includes a pin lift that has a plurality of pins extending therefrom. The plurality of pins is configured to be passed via the plurality of guiding recesses of the susceptor to engage the bottom surface of the wafer. The susceptor is configured to be moved relative to the plurality of pins in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface of the susceptor.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving articles, comprising at least one arrangement with a vacuum chamber, which is connected to an arrangement which is capable of producing negative pressure in the vacuum chamber, the underside of a lower plate being provided with an elastic airtight bottom and also being provided with a number of first through-passages to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering stacks of tires includes a stationary mast having a base end attached to a support frame and an opposite free end. A transport structure is attached to the mast and is engageable with a hook member to transport the hook member between a first position adjacent the base end of the mast and and second position adjacent the free end of the mast. The hook member is releasably connectable to a lifting end of a tire stacker which includes a frame capable of supporting a number of tires in side-by-side relation when the stacker is in a horizontal position and a support structure capable to supporting a stack of tires when the stacker is in a vertical position.

Abstract: An automatic transfer apparatus includes a plurality of transfer units which are disposed to face machining units aligned with spacing. Each transfer unit comprises a support base having a workpiece supporting surface and a workpiece positioning mechanism provided on the workpiece supporting surface, an elevation member supported by the support base for vertical movement, an elevating mechanism for lifting and lowering the elevation member between first and second positions, a transfer member supported on the elevation member for movement in a transfer direction and having a workpiece supporting portion, and a reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the transfer member.

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: The end effector of a frog-leg robot is raised and lowered by using walking-beams to effect a vertical movement of the fore arms at the elbow joint.

Abstract: A plate-like object carrier device comprising plural arms arranged at a same pitch interval to horizontally support a wafer on each of the arms, a first motor for driving a single arm forward and backward and independently of a group of arms, a second motor for driving the group of arms forward and backward at the same time except the single arm, a power supply for supplying power to the first and second motors, and a controller for selecting whether to supply power only to the first motor or both of the first and second motors.

Abstract: Wheelchair lift (10) includes a platform (12) mounted on a carriage (14) for vertical travel between the ground and an elevated location along a mast structure (16) through the use of a linear, lift actuator (18). Platform (12) includes an upper main section (20) and a lower movable section (22) that is horizontally extendible and retractable by a linear, platform actuator (24). The actuators (18) and (24) are cooperatively interconnected with and controlled by a power system (28) so that platform (12) is raised to a desired height before the movable section (22) is extended, and conversely the movable section (22) is fully retracted before the platform (12) is allowed to lower to the ground.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine including a multi-reach shuttle including six overlaid plate assemblies supported for extension and retraction relative to each other by intervening sets of rollers. The rollers are arranged to maximize the range of extension of each plate assembly relative to a preceding plate assembly so that fewer plate assemblies are required to achieve a desired reach. Also, the rollers are positioned to provide an increased number of rollers at primary load bearing positions and fewer rollers at secondary load bearing locations.

Abstract: A load-handling device is designed as a carriage movable along a floor and having a load-handling assembly whose load-engaging member is vertically movable as well as extendable and retractable relative to the carriage. According to the invention, the driving mechanism of the load-handling assembly comprises an endless driving element which runs along an elongate path between guiding wheels. The load-engaging member of the assembly is designed as a double-armed lever. The fulcrum of the lever is rotatably connected to the driving element so as to follow the movements thereof. One arm of the lever constitutes the load-engaging member or forms a part of the load-engaging member. The other arm of the lever has a cam follower. The cam follower serves to absorb torque produced by the load and, to this end, engages a cam track.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for managing stores, in which objects are stored, removed and arranged. Said objects are stored not in accordance with an indexed classification but as a function of their dimensions and of the storage volumes available in the store and, at each instant, their location as well as the location and dimensions of the storage volumes still available are recorded. Said process is advantageously carried out for managing a library, videotheque, discotheque, archives, . . . . The present invention also relates to a device for carrying out said process.

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 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 double reach shuttle assembly for a storage and retrieval machine. Latch mechanisms are provided on the movable elements of the shuttle to control the sequence of extension of the movable elements thereby reducing the amount of space required beneath a load in a storage rack to accommodate the shuttle elements when the double reach shuttle is used in a single reach mode. As the shuttle extends, each movable element remains stationary until the element above it reaches a predetermined point relative thereto. The invention further provides additional latch mechanisms which insure that the load carrying element of the shuttle is the last to retract.

Abstract: A linear unit for transferring objects, particularly for removing workpieces from a linear conveying track, comprising vertically and horizontally movable grippers for grasping the objects and comprising a gripper carriage which is movable between a pick-up position and delivery position and having first and second carriage parts, wherein the movement sequence of the grippers for receiving the objects in the pick-up position and for depositing the objects in the delivery position is effected due to relative movement of the second carriage part with respect to the first carriage part.

Abstract: A jack-up rig includes a cantilever beam assembly and a drilling module is mounted on the cantilever beam assembly. The jack-up rig also includes means for moving the cantilever beam assembly from the storage position to extended positions wherein a rearward end of the cantilever beam assembly is extended from the jack-up rig. The fixed platform comprises a fixed platform support structure having a drilling module support surface and a beam opening. The jack-up rig is positioned near the fixed platform with the cantilever beam assembly generally aligned with the beam opening in the fixed platform support structure. The cantilever beam assembly then is extended through a portion of the beam opening to an extended position wherein the drilling module is supported on the cantilever beam assembly a distance generally above the drilling module support surface. The jack-up rig then is lowered to a position wherein the drilling module is supported on the fixed platform support structure.

Abstract: A telescopic mast system has a base tube, a plurality of axially movable coaxial inner tubes nestable successively within each other and within the base tube, and a winch supported at the lower end of the base tube with a pair of preferably wire ropes driven thereby for extending and retracting the inner tubes. The base and inner tubes have collars at their respective ends, the collars of adjacent tubes engaging each other to limit extension thereof and to provide additional structural support during application of bending loads on the mast system. The ropes are connected to pulleys mounted near or within tube collars so that the ropes and pulleys are totally enclosed within the mast system. As the winch is rotated in one direction, the ropes axially move the inner tubes from a nested or stowed position within the base tube to a fully vertically extended operational position.

Abstract: A stacker-retriever lift carriage is disposed to be raised, lowered and positioned, in selected positions with respect to a pair of spaced support masts, by a flexible wire cable one end of which is connected to a lift carriage drive and the other end of which is connected to the lift carriage through a pair of four bar linkages pivotally connected together in spaced parallel relationship to form a safety brake operating mechanism. The upward pull by the cable upon the brake operating mechanism retracts a pair of opposed brake arms, pivotally carried by the brake operating mechanism, to a brake deactivated position with the back ends of each brake arm abutting each other. Loss of the pull of the cable on the lift carriage, as would occur if the cable severed or if the lift carriage hung up, permits a spring housed between the brake arms to move the brake operating mechanism and the brake arms to a braking position with brake pads carried by the brake arms in friction engagement with the support masts.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically transferring a cassette of semiconductor wafers from one "clean" room to a second "clean" room across an area that may be less clean. The system includes an elevator in each room where a load is manually positioned in a load stall, and is then withdrawn automatically to an elevator and moved to a different elevation and transferred to an enclosed horizontal conveyor at that elevation which spans the distance between the "clean" rooms. The load then moves on a driven cart which straddles, and is magnetically coupled to an enclosed driver cart. The conveyor and the elevator stations are pressurized with clean air to maintain the necessary cleanliness for the wafer processing operation.

Abstract: Horizontally and vertically actuable apparatus for loading/unloading workpieces from a work station. The workpiece holder is contained on a driven workpiece holding tower having in one embodiment a laterally floating bearing coupled to an endless drive assembly whereby up/down motion is imparted relative to a controlled rotary motion in one direction. Horizontal motion is controlled via a driven endless notched belt and associated magnetic transducing and counting apparatus for determining relative horizontal position. Alternative embodiments of a driven pivoting roller arm and a driven lead screw are also disclosed for imparting respective vertical and horizontal motion.

Abstract: A heavy-object loading jig has a slide plate provided on the upper end portion of a lifting drive means and a mounting plate for mounting a heavy object thereon. Between the slide plate and the mounting plate is disposed a rolling member which allows the mounting plate to move in any horizontal direction within a limited range. The lifting drive may include: a circular cylinder vertically extending with the upper end thereof opened; a cylindrical member which is integrally secured to the inner lower end portion of the cylinder and defines an annular cylinder chamber between the same and the inner surface of the cylinder; a ring-shaped piston slidably received in the cylinder chamber; and a cylindrical rod which is formed integral with the piston and is projected beyond the upper end of the cylinder and further has the slide plate secured to the upper end portion thereof.

Abstract: An attachment for lift trucks to enable the truck to work in narrow aisles and manipulate loads in front of and to both sides of the truck without turning the truck. A side shifter which includes a pair of parallel moving arms for supporting the load in which the arms are pivotally supported from a track intermediate the ends of the arms. The side shifter retracts within the width of the truck, but extends beyond the sides of the truck for handling loads.

Abstract: An article storage and retrieval system which includes a continuous track and a continuous article storage carousel supported from the track. The article storage carousel is movable in a horizontal direction and contains a plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending baskets. Each basket has vertically spaced compartments. A motor is included to drive the article storage carousel around the track. An elevator is mounted in a fixed position adjacent to the outside of the track and includes a vertically movable article engager for placement in or withdrawal from a preselected compartment.

Abstract: A fork-lift type truck for handling pallet loads comprising a plurality of superimposed layers mounted on slip sheets is provided with a push-pull load displacer having the capability for vertical movement substantially independently of the truck platform, to permit selective build-up or dispersal of the load, one or more layers at a time, using slip sheets for each segment of the load. The push-pull load displacer is of slender construction, including a pivotable actuator, to achieve a shallow envelope when retracted, for ready passage downwardly into the restricted space available between the pallet load and the load carrying structure of the machine.

Abstract: A machine for vertical transportation of goods from a packing line onto a pallet. The machine includes a vertically movable lifting device provided on a horizontally travelling wagon, the device being provided with lifting forks for receiving and lowering the pieces of packages. Counterweights are provided on the travelling wagon, the counterweights being connected to the lifting device by wires. The counterweights are heavier than the lifting device but the weight thereof is less than the total weight of the lifting device and the thereon loaded pieces of packages. The transmission comprises an endless loop, which is fixedly mounted to the lifting device, which is driven by a motor. During a cycle of operations the pieces of packages are fed from a packing line out onto the lifting forks of the machine until they abut a start impulse switch that starts the motor. Due to the weight of goods, the lifting forks are lowered until they are stopped by the pallet.

Abstract: A multiple-element load handling shuttle assembly (10) which includes means to compensate for the downward deflection of the load carrying element of the shuttle under load. Each shuttle element (12, 14, 16, 20) is supported by a plurality of rollers (35, 43, 51, 57) which engage guide channels (36, 43, 52, 58) in an adjacent element. The end rollers (43c, 43d) on one of the elements are offset upwardly from the remaining rollers (43a, 43b) on that element and the corresponding guide channel (44) is flared upwardly at its outer ends to accommodate the offset rollers. The offset rollers and flared guide channel cause the shuttle assembly to tilt upwardly in its unloaded condition to at least partially compensate for the downward deflection of the shuttle assembly under load.

Abstract: A machine for cyclically receiving a plurality of containers from an unloading station and for transporting them to a discharge station, which is spaced apart from, and above the unloading station by a predetermined distance, includes a platform operable in a first position thereof below the loading station and near the discharge station for accepting the containers, and which is movable thereafter to a second position spaced substantially vertically above the first position for unloading the containers to the discharge station; the platform is thereafter returned to the first position. A control device is connected to the platform for controlling the operation thereof, and a drive arrangement is provided for moving the platform from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

Abstract: A device for use with fork-lift trucks or the like to provide tipping and side shift facilities for ancillary apparatus attached to the truck. The device includes first and second frames and a sub-frame with two operatively connected fluid-powered rams. There is one mounting point for an ancillary on the sub-frame and an alternative mounting point for an ancillary on the second frame, whereby an ancillary so mounted may be tipped and/or side shifted according to which ram is operated.

Abstract: A machine for cyclically receiving a plurality of containers from an unloading station and for transporting them to a discharge station, which is spaced apart from, and above the unloading station by a predetermined distance, includes a platform operable in a first position thereof below the loading station and near the discharge station for accepting the containers, and which is movable thereafter to a second position spaced substantially vertically above the first position for unloading the containers to the discharge station; the platform is thereafter returned to the first position. A control device is connected to the platform for controlling the operation thereof, and a drive arrangement is provided for moving the platform from the first position to the second position and vice versa.