Abstract: A shuttle vehicle is provided for transporting stored goods in a shelving system. The shuttle vehicle comprises a running gear having wheels mounted thereon to move the shuttle vehicle along guide rails of the shelving system. At least one telescopic guide rail is mounted on the running gear such that its direction of travel deviates from that of the guide rails of the shelving system by a predetermined angle greater than zero. The shuttle vehicle further comprises at least one telescopic system having telescope wheels mounted thereon to retract and extend the telescopic system in a plane along at least one telescopic guide rail relative to the running gear. A shelving system is provided which uses the shuttle vehicle.

Abstract: A feeding system for feeding workpieces to a device by means of a robot comprises a feeding station and at least one transport carriage, wherein the feeding station comprises a robot fastening section and is designed that a workpiece holder can be held in the feeding station in a holding position defined in relation to the robot fastening section from which a robot attached to the robot fastening section can grasp the workpieces. The transport carriage also has at least one holding device for holding a workpiece holder in a first holding position. The feed system comprises a coupling section wherein the transport carriage can be coupled to the feeding station using a coupling device in such a way that a workpiece holder held in the transport carriage in the first holding position is brought into the receiving position after the transport carriage has been coupled with the coupling section. A method for feeding workpieces to a device and the use of a feed system is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a side loading attachment (40) for use with a forklift truck (70) having a pair of forwardly extended forklift forks (70F). The attachment (40) comprises a pair of hollow sleeves (42) to receive the forklift forks (70F). A support frame (41) is welded to the hollow sleeves (42). A sliding bracket (43) is slidably mounted to the support frame (41). A rotatable shaft (45) is rotatably mounted to the sliding bracket (43). A tiltable frame (44) is pivotally mounted to the rotatable shaft (45). An elevating carriage (46) is slidably mounted to the tiltable frame (44). A pair of load forks (40F) are mounted to the elevating carriage (46) whereby the load forks (40F) can be rotated and shifted to either side of the forklift truck (70) and can be elevated and tilted to deposit or retrieve a palletized load (30) to either side of the forklift truck (70) in a narrow aisle operation.

Abstract: A telescopic drive contains a base having a securely attached toothed rack running in a first horizontal direction. At least one first carriage is arranged on the base, which is supported on the base such that it moves in the first horizontal direction by a linear guide, and which has a toothed belt drive formed by at least one electric motor and a revolving toothed belt. The toothed belt is driven by the electric motor, is tensioned in the first horizontal direction and is positioned on the toothed rack of the base. By integrating the telescopic drive into an electric-motor-driven cabin inside a three-dimensional shelving matrix of an equipment stand, both a compact construction and movements of a stored item are permitted, with the movements reaching up to or preferably also beyond the extension of an individual storage shelf.

Abstract: A delivery system includes: a delivery vehicle which can carry a delivery box; and a carrier vehicle which can carry the delivery vehicle thereon, the carrier vehicle including a storage container which can store delivery boxes, the carrier vehicle including a conveyance control mechanism which performs conveyance control to convey the delivery box located at a predetermined storage location in the storage container to a storage location different from the predetermined storage location, the conveyance control mechanism performing the conveyance control to convey the delivery box to a receipt location at which the delivery vehicle can receive the delivery box, the delivery vehicle including a carrying control mechanism which performs carrying control to receive the delivery box from the carrier vehicle at the receipt location and to carry the received delivery box thereon, wherein the delivery vehicle deliveries to the delivery destination the delivery box carried on the delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided including a vehicle power unit, a monomast coupled to the vehicle power unit, and a fork carriage apparatus supported on the monomast. The fork carriage apparatus includes a mast carriage assembly directly coupled to the monomast for vertical movement, a fork carriage mechanism to which forks are mounted, and a reach mechanism coupled to the mast carriage assembly and to the fork carriage mechanism for actuating the fork carriage mechanism to move between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: An automated testing system includes one or more laboratory devices that operate together to perform an assay. The testing system is designed such that a laboratory device may be seamlessly integrated with the remaining devices in a quick and effortless manner. Specifically, the laboratory device is securely mounted on a slidable cart with fluid and electrical connections established therebetween. The slidable cart is in turn adapted to releasably engage with a docking station that is fixedly mounted on the workspace floor, the docking station being provided with at least one fluid input connection, an input power connection and at least one communication signal connection that are relatively permanent in nature. In order to couple the cart to the docking station, the cart is rolled generally into position above the docking station using complementary alignment posts and tracks.

Abstract: Automated testing system arrangements using a docking station. One system includes a unit including: a) a polygonal base having a plurality of sides, a number of the plurality of sides including a docking station for mating with a mobile equipment carrying cart; and b) a robotic arm having a stationary base positioned on or in the polygonal base and configured to interact with the equipment on each mobile equipment carrying cart.

Abstract: A self-moving operating machine with an integrated lateral movement and leveling device, including a chassis having a front part and a rear part, to which a fore axle and a rear axle, both provided with wheels, are constrained, respectively, and including an operating arm having one of its ends constrained to the rear part. The front part and the rear part are articulated to each other by a spherical coupling including two linear actuators, consisting of hydraulic cylinders aimed at operating in mostly vertical directions. A third actuator is rod-wise connected to the front and rear parts, and is aimed at operating according to mostly horizontal directions. The actuators are operated independently. There are provided means designed to measure loads weighing on at least one of the two wheels and to control locking of the rear axle to the rear part upon reaching predetermined limits.

Abstract: An industrial truck with a load support which is adjustable in its height along a lifting frame and whose taken load is detected by a load sensor, wherein a control unit is provided in which one or several load gravity centres can be selected and which determines an admissible lifting height for the one or several selected load gravity centres on the basis of the detected load.

Abstract: The disclosed warehouse loader has two platform sections. One section is hinged to a deck where the operator stands when moving the loader. The other section is hinged to the first section and can be aligned with the first section to create a platform that extends outwardly from the deck and can be accessed by the operator directly from the deck. The second section is narrower than and folds against the first section. A spring-loaded latch holds the first section in an upright position, with the second section folded against it. A manually-operable positioning hook engages receptacles in the platform sections, making it easier to fold the sections. To retrieve a spilled article, the loader is first positioned at an open location adjacent the spilled article. The platform is extended into the open location. The operator can then stand on the platform while retrieving the article.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a power unit, a mast assembly and a fluid supply system. The mast assembly is coupled to the power unit. The mast assembly comprises a weldment, a movable element and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the movable element to effect movement of the element. The fluid supply system includes manifold apparatus and at least one fluid line coupled to the manifold apparatus and the ram/cylinder assembly. The manifold apparatus provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram/cylinder assembly via the fluid line to raise the movable element. The manifold apparatus is mounted to the mast assembly.

Abstract: A load-handling apparatus having a frame and a load movement component part accommodated on said frame in such a way that it is capable of relative movement, the load movement component part being guided on the frame by a plurality of rolling bodies for the relative movement along a guide axis, the plurality of rolling bodies comprising at least one arrangement of circulating rolling bodies, with a supporting section, in which rolling bodies in the event of a relative movement of the frame and the load movement component part roll along a guide track and a rolling track, and a return section, in which the rolling bodies during the relative movement of the frame and the load movement component part move from an outlet end region of the supporting section towards its inlet end region.

Abstract: Lateral guidance transportation systems include at least one route, on which at least one transportation vehicle is guided as the main vehicle. The main vehicle is energized by a primary circuit having a contact wire arranged along the route, or contactlessly. The main vehicle includes a lifting platform that is drivable by a drive, and on which there is at least one satellite vehicle. The satellite vehicle also includes a drive for automatically moving along an additional route, and which is arranged for transporting goods. The additional route includes a satellite route section for the positioning and parking of the satellite vehicle. The satellite route section is truly alignable, by positioning the main vehicle on satellite routes arranged transversely to the route, on shelves. Satellite route sections and satellite routes include primary conductors energized contactlessly by the main vehicle.

Abstract: A self propelled lift truck has a traction unit with a pair of rear ground engaging wheels, one rear wheel being mounted on each side of the traction unit, at least one ground engaging drive wheel being mounted on to the traction unit, a lift mechanism being mounted to the traction unit for pivotal movement about a vertical axis, the lift mechanism having a pair of foot members extending forwardly of the lift mechanism in spaced apart relationship, a front ground engaging wheel being mounted on each of the foot members for rotation about a transverse horizontal axis adjacent the front end of the foot member, a steering mechanism being provided by which the lift mechanism may be pivoted relative to the traction unit in order to steer the lift truck and one or more stability wheels being mounted adjacent the rear of the lift mechanism, the or each stability wheel being mounted for rotation about a fixed transverse horizontal axis, the stability wheels being clear of the ground when the lift mechanism is in a st

Abstract: The invention is a device mounted on a forklift to provide the operator with information of the distance from the pallet load to the upright part of the fork/tines. The invention has a source of a range determining signal such as sonic waves but other signals such as infra red or radar waves may be used. The emitted signals hit the palletized goods and are reflected to a detector or sensor and processed. The range information is transferred to a distance display device. The range/distance between the upright part of forklift tines and the palletized load combined with knowledge of the length of floor parallel tines of the forks will provide information to prevent any excessive penetration of the pallet hollow which excessive penetration can cause damage to either truck trailer walls, warehouse structures, or other palletized loads.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided including a vehicle power unit, a monomast coupled to the vehicle power unit, and a fork carriage apparatus supported on the monomast. The fork carriage apparatus includes a mast carriage assembly directly coupled to the monomast for vertical movement, a fork carriage mechanism to which forks are mounted, and a reach mechanism coupled to the mast carriage assembly and to the fork carriage mechanism for actuating the fork carriage mechanism to move between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: In an apparatus for handling rolls of web material, a shaft bearing one or more fully wound rolls of web material thereon are supported from one end in a cantilever support. An external mandrel is aligned with a free end of the shaft. A roll-moving device is positioned to shift the rolls axially along the shaft away from the supported end of the shaft. The roll-moving device shifts the rolls of web material off the shaft and onto the aligned external mandrel, shaft or other support device. The weight of the roll of web material is borne by the shaft and external mandrel throughout the transfer. Once the shaft is removed, the rolls of web material can be handled during further processing from the core.

Abstract: An automated testing system includes one or more laboratory devices that operate together to perform an assay. The testing system is designed such that a laboratory device may be seamlessly integrated with the remaining devices in a quick and effortless manner. Specifically, the laboratory device is securely mounted on a slidable cart with fluid and electrical connections established therebetween. The slidable cart is in turn adapted to releasably engage with a docking station that is fixedly mounted on the workspace floor, the docking station being provided with at least one fluid input connection, an input power connection and at least one communication signal connection that are relatively permanent in nature. In order to couple the cart to the docking station, the cart is rolled generally into position above the docking station using complementary alignment posts and tracks.

Abstract: Improved bolted joint designs are used for a joint between a bolt-on load-lifting member such as a fork or clamp arm and a carriage or carrier associated with a material handling device. In various embodiments, an elongate rear vertical shank of one or the other of the load-lifting member or the carrier may have a plurality of mounting bolt holes spaced longitudinally along its length, each mounting bolt hole extending from a respective recessed area formed in one or both of the joined surfaces. Each bolt hole has a respective bolt-hole width dimension transverse to the elongate member, and each recessed area has a recess width dimension parallel to and greater than the bolt-hole width dimension.

Abstract: A panel conveying system includes a panel cassette for receiving a plurality of panels, and a conveying vehicle for conveying the panel cassette. The conveying vehicle includes a loading/unloading unit installed on the main body to load and/or unload the panel cassette on and/or from a panel processing unit, a panel conveying unit installed on the main body to feed and/or collect the panels to and/or from a panel processing area, and a lifting unit supporting the panel cassette in the main body.

Abstract: In a slid fork comprising a base portion 4, a middle portion 6, and a top portion 8, a driving motor 20 rotates sprockets 22, 24 to drive chains 26, 36, respectively, at different speeds. The middle portion 6 is fixed to the chain 26, while the top portion 8 is fixed to the chain 36. The chains 26, 36 are driven using a predetermined speed and stroke ratios. No sprockets are provided at a leading end of the middle portion. Therefore, no dust is raised from shelves.

Abstract: A lifting device (10) includes a base frame (12), the base frame having associated drive means: a lifting arm (44) connected at a first end thereof to a frame (42), the lifting arm being pivotally movable with respect to the frame and being movable between a withdrawn condition and an extended lifting condition; and a lifting cradle being movable between open and engaged positions. The device is suitable for use in the movement of hospital beds and trolleys.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle including a truck body and a fork assembly adjacent the truck body. A link arm extending between the truck body and the fork assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. A first pivot pin is fixed to the body and pivotally links the proximal end of the link arm to the body. A second pivot pin is fixed to the fork assembly and pivotally links the distal end of the link arm to the fork assembly. At least one of the first and second pivot pins includes an eccentric body interposed between ends. The eccentric body defines a first axis, and the ends define a second axis, wherein the link arm pivots about the first axis and rotation of the pivot pin about the second axis moves the first axis relative to the truck body to change the position of the fork assembly relative to the truck body.

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

Abstract: A door lifting apparatus includes a frame and a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism includes a slide and a lever. The slide includes a plurality of holders and a plurality of glides, wherein the holders are operable to engage and support a door while the glides cooperate with rails provided upon the frame to guide the slide along the rails. Pivotal movement of the lever moves the slide vertically relative to the upright supports, thereby raising or lowering the door.

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 slab tipping apparatus for tipping slabs onto forks of a forklift. The slab tipping apparatus includes a base member being designed for being selectively coupled to a carriage of the forklift. A pivoting assembly is coupled to the base member. The pivoting assembly is designed for being selectively to the carriage of the forklift whereby the pivoting assembly extends between the base member and the carriage of the forklift. The pivoting assembly is designed for being actuated by a user for pivoting the base member with respect to the carriage of the forklift. An arm member slidably engages the base member whereby the arm member is selectively extendable from the base member. The arm member is designed for engaging an edge of the slab whereby the arm member tips the slab onto the forks of the forklift when the pivoting assembly pivots the base member.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the position of a load supported on a conveyor cart includes a driven lift mechanism for controlling height and a turntable for controlling rotational orientation. The cart may, alternately or in addition to the above mechanisms, include a gimbal mechanism for rotational adjustment about multiple axes. A processor on the cart provides actuation and control of the mechanisms. An ID card reader on the cart senses ID tags for determining when the cart is adjacent particular locations. Data representing desired load position at the locations is stored either in a memory device or by the ID tag for relay to the processor on the cart via the ID tag reader. A system level controller provides a centralized storage location for desired load position data for communication to a plurality of conveyor carts through a communication link that includes radio frequency modems.

Abstract: An order picker truck includes an extendible mast, and a load platform slidably fixed relative to the extendible mast. An operator platform is slidably fixed relative to the load platform, and a load former is fixed to the operator platform. The load former defines a volume over a portion of the load platform to guide an operator building the load and stabilize the load on the load platform.

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

Abstract: In a device for transfering especially a person sitting in a wheel-chair between a platform and a passenger department of a vehicle having a floor on a higher level than the platform a first floor surface (5) is arranged inside the vehicle closest to an entrance (2) into the vehicle from a platform side and arranged on substantially the same level as the platform. Power means are adapted to move a support surface (6) arranged inside the vehicle and reachable through the first floor surface (5) between platform level and the level of the floor of the passenger department so as to join a first floor surface and a second floor surface (10) leading to the passenger department or belonging thereto, respectively. A staircase (8) is arranged between the two levels beside the support surface (6) and directly reachable through the first floor surface (5) as well as the second floor surface (10) independently of the position of the support surface (6).

Abstract: A personal guided transport vehicle is disclosed to include a horizontal motion unit, a vertical motion unit, and a gear set coupled between a shaft of the horizontal motion unit and a shaft of the vertical motion unit for enabling the shafts to be interlocked. When operating a horizontal operating lever of the horizontal motion unit, a lock pin is forced into engagement with a mounting hole of the shaft of the vertical motion unit. The horizontal motion unit and the vertical motion unit each have a spring plunger for self-lock. A docking mechanism is disclosed to enable the vehicle to be easily positioned in a docking flange. The docking mechanism includes a locating plate and a coupling plate, the locating plate having a locating notch for quick alignment, the coupling plate having hooks for hooking on the docking flange to hold the vehicle in position.

Abstract: A person-guided vehicle (PGV) is provided for transporting and manipulating at least one carrier containing items such as semiconductor wafers to be loaded or unloaded at a load port. The PGV includes a wheeled cart having a frame configured to align with the load port. A carrier support assembly is mounted to the frame. The carrier support assembly includes a cradle configured to support the carrier, a lifting mechanism operative to raise and lower the cradle vertically, and a horizontal slide mechanism operative to move the cradle horizontally to and from a position outboard of the cart. A damping system is coupled to the cart and operative to dampen vibrations of the carrier in the carrier support assembly. One side of the cart is free of structural members to allow operator access to the carrier support assembly and to allow ready manipulation of the cart by the operator.

Abstract: A personal guided transport vehicle is disclosed to include a horizontal motion unit, a vertical motion unit, and a gear set coupled between a shaft of the horizontal motion unit and a shaft of the vertical motion unit for enabling the shafts to be interlocked. When operating a horizontal operating lever of the horizontal motion unit, a lock pin is forced into engagement with a mounting hole of the shaft of the vertical motion unit. The horizontal motion unit and the vertical motion unit each have a spring plunger for self-lock. A docking mechanism is disclosed to enable the vehicle to be easily positioned in a docking flange. The docking mechanism includes a locating plate and a coupling plate, the locating plate having a locating notch for quick alignment, the coupling plate having hooks for hooking on the docking flange to hold the vehicle in position.

Abstract: A Manual Guide Vehicle for transporting semiconductor-containers to and from processing equipment is disclosed. The Manual Guide Vehicle is capable of receiving electric power for driving a transporting device for transporting cassettes with semiconductor samples to be processed from the external processing equipment.

Abstract: An order picker truck includes an extendible mast, and a load platform slidably fixed relative to the extendible mast. An operator platform is slidably fixed relative to the load platform, and a load former is fixed to the operator platform. The load former defines a volume over a portion of the load platform to guide an operator building the load and stabilize the load on the load platform.

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 downm, 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: A person-guided vehicle (PGV) is provided for transporting and manipulating at least one carrier containing items such as semiconductor wafers to be loaded or unloaded at a load port. The PGV includes a wheeled cart having a frame configured to align with the load port. A carrier support assembly is mounted to the frame. The carrier support assembly includes a cradle configured to support the carrier, a lifting mechanism operative to raise and lower the cradle vertically, and a horizontal slide mechanism operative to move the cradle horizontally to and from a position outboard of the cart. A damping system is coupled to the cart and operative to dampen vibrations of the carrier in the carrier support assembly. One side of the cart is free of structural members to allow operator access to the carrier support assembly and to allow ready manipulation of the cart by the operator.

Abstract: Mobile device for disabled persons comprising a trolley carrying a vertically displaceable platform designed to bear a wheelchair. The trolley is motor-driven and is equipped with an aligning system to line-up the platform with respect to an access site of the wheelchair. The platform can also be shifted in a transverse direction relative to the trolley and includes a transfer ramp longitudinally displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A satellite vehicle for moving pallet units (P) in and out of storage with transportation vehicles (F) is configured as a motor-driven lift-truck (1) with several parallel, adjacent and height adjustable fork arms (2). The position of said fork arms (2) in relation to the pallet can also be adjusted. At least two fork arms (2) are mounted on the lift-truck (1) in such a way that they can be displaced laterally, crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the arms. All of the fork arms (2) have pallet-receiving elements (3) which float crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the arms. The lift-truck (1) and the fork arms (2) are provided with ultrasound sensors (17, 18) for measuring and correcting the direction of travel and the lift-truck (1) is equipped with a rotation rate sensor (19) for measuring the angle and a cable drum (5) with a power and signal cable (6) for supplying propulsive power and for exchanging signals for measuring displacement.

Abstract: This transfer device is to be supported by the tines of a forklift and supports a load such as a lumber pack to be transferred to a rack cell which have an anchor bar at its opening. The device comprises an underframe having tine receivers, and a mainframe which is movable with respect to the underframe towards the cell opening and which has hooks to hook onto said anchor bar. Said mainframe has rollers on which the load is supported. The system is motorized; first, the load remains centered with respect to the underframe when the mainframe is first shifted laterally of the forklift to hook onto the anchor upper bar of a selected rack cell because the frame rollers rotate in a direction opposite to the shifting direction; then the mainframe rollers rotate in the opposite direction to transfer the load into the rack cell.

Abstract: A traveling rail 8 is provided in a clean room at slightly above head height, and arms 44, 46 placed atop one another and a fork 56 are used to allow a tracking cart to travel along the rail to load a workpiece 20. A fork elevating section 54 is provided at the tip of the lower arm 46 to elevate and lower the fork 56. A loop can be constructed without obstructing personnel in the area and faster loading times can be obtained.

Abstract: A suspension support device is provided movably on the upper surface of a building for suspending, by means of ropes, an outer wall working machine having fitting and moving members which can be fittedly engaged in a pair of guide grooves formed vertically on an outer wall surface of the building, and lowering and lifting the outer wall working machine along the guide grooves.

Abstract: A transfer system including a roll holder having an upright member with a support member extending in a cantilevered fashion outward from the upright member with the support member including a set of rollers for rollably supporting a roll of material thereon and a detachably mounted roll stop for connecting to the support member so that when the roll of material is to be placed on the support member the roll stop can be readily detached to permit placing the roll of material on the support member and can be readily attached to the support member to prevent the roll of material on the support member from accidentally rolling off the support member.

Abstract: A wheel chair lift mechanism which can be installed in a storage compartment of a commercial vehicle to assist mobility-impaired persons in their ingress and egress to and from such vehicles is made up of a retractable control mechanism between fixed and movable frames within the storage compartment for selectively advancing a platform assembly between a retracted position within the storage compartment and an extended position outside of the compartment, and a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the platform assembly between a ground level position, raised position aligned with the doorway and a stowed position aligned with the storage compartment.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for handling conventional stacks of baked goods trays for the baking industry. A platen is moved underneath side-by-side stacks of trays. The platen supports the underside of the stacks of trays and prevents lateral movement of the bottom of the stacks by guiding the platen into channels that exist in the bottom of the trays. The platen is attached to an upright which is tiltable and which extends along one side of the baked goods trays when on the platen to support the stacks along their vertical height. Tilting of the upright causes the platen to lift and the trays to tilt against the upright where they are supported underneath and along the side and thus can be moved and handled. By utilizing the split platen and the tall tiltable upright with a motorized vehicle, an economical and efficient method of handing baked goods tray stacks is possible, eliminating significant manual labor and risk of worker injury.

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

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system such as can be used as a parking bay structure is provided which comprises a hydraulically operated skip hoist system and which includes a skip hoist shaft and a skip which is hoistable up and down the shaft. A plurality of parking bays are located around the skip hoist shaft. A pair of shuttles are located on the skip and are moveable relative to the skip for positioning vehicles on and removing vehicles from the parking bays. The shuttles are located on a rotunda on the skip which is rotatable about a vertical axis for rotating the shuttles to align the shuttles with the parking bays surrounding the skip hoist shaft.