Abstract: A floor-running stacker crane comprising a non-linear floor rail, a non-linear overhead rail, a base supported for movement along the floor rail, a turntable, a rotate bearing supporting the turntable on the base for rotation of the turntable relative to the base about a generally vertical axis, a rotate drive for rotating the turntable relative to the base, a mast having a lower end fixed to the turntable such that the mast rotates with the turntable relative to the base, the mast also having an upper end supported for movement along the overhead rail, a carriage moveable vertically relative to the mast, a hoist assembly for moving the carriage vertically relative to the mast, a load engaging mechanism, a rotate bearing supporting the load engaging mechanism on the carriage for rotation relative to the carriage about a generally horizontal axis, and a tilt drive for rotating the load engaging mechanism relative to the carriage.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine comprising a generally horizontal rail including a rail member, a base, a linear slide supporting the base for movement along the rail member, a generally vertical mast supported by the base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along the mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by the carriage.

Abstract: A three-stage mast (1) for a forklift truck and a forklift truck incorporating the mast (1). The mast (1) has an outer mast section (2) for mounting on the truck. A middle mast section (5) is slidably movable on the outer mast section (2) by rams (7). An inner mast section (12) is slidably mounted on the middle mast section (5) and carries a fork carriage (14). Lifting chains (20) and lowering chains (30) extend between the inner mast section (12) and outer mast section (2) passing over intermediate guides (24, 31) on the middle mast section (5). The chains (20, 30) raise and lower the inner mast section (12) on the middle mast section (5) when the rams (7) are operated. Similarly lifting chains (26) and lowering chains (34) extend between the middle mast section (5) and the fork carriage (14) via guides (27, 35) on the inner mast section (12) for movement of the fork carriage (14) on the inner mast section (12).

Abstract: In order to safely transport a building material to its mounting area of a building body and to temporarily hold the same until it is firmly mounted on the mounting area on the building site, according to the present invention, there is provided, an apparatus for transporting/mounting a building material including a self-propelled vehicle body provided with a steering/driving device, the vehicle body assuming a substantially L-shaped form constructed of an upright main body and a pair of lower frames which are parallelly spaced apart from each other and horizontally extend from opposite sides of a lower portion of the main body; an elevator unit movably mounted on a vertical side portion of the main body so as to be vertically movable along the vertical side portion of the main body; a first frame horizontally extending forward from a vertical side of the elevator unit, the first frame having its base end mounted on the elevator unit so as to be horizontally movable in a horizontal plane; a second frame slida

Abstract: The secondary fork 36 is composed of an aluminum extrusion which is formed integrally with a pair of right and left outward guide rail grooves 40a, 40b to be fitted with the guide rollers 45, 46 provided on the fixed fork 35 side and a pair of right and left inward guide rail grooves 41a, 41b to be fitted with the guide rollers 47, 48 provided on the primary fork 37 side, so as to form the secondary fork 36 in a single member. As a result, assembling operation is not needed, and therefore the number of parts and the assembling processes of the running fork type load transfer apparatus can be greatly curtailed, so as to reduce the cost.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube bundle extractor capable of being used either suspended from a crane or while mounted onto a rigid extendible boom. The extractor features brackets for attaching the extractor to cables suspended from a crane. The extractor can also be mounted onto an extendible boom having an articulated head. When desired, the bundle extractor can be used while mounted onto the boom. If crane operations are preferred, the extractor can be readily detached from the boom and suspended from a crane at much higher elevations.

Abstract: A clamp attachment for use with a lift truck for handling rail car bogies. The clamp attachment includes an upper frame that is attached to the carriage of the lift truck for upward and downward movement therewith. A lower frame is movably suspended from the upper frame by four chains. A pair of clamps assemblies are pivotally mounted on the lower frame and actuated by hydraulic cylinders to cause clamping and unclamping of the axles of the rail car bogie for the lifting and lowering of the rail car bogie. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are arranged to move the lower frame and clamp devices therewith into any desired direction for the maneuvering of the rail car bogie.

Abstract: A core collecting tray for a core blowing machine is provided which forms part of a slide which can reciprocally move longitudinally on tracks through sheaves, be lifted by a hydraulic cylinder that acts on a deck and with the assistance of vertical guides. The tray is adapted to cross travel by a further hydraulic cylinder and is fitted with a clipping template which can in turn travel upwards on additional guides and with the assistance of a third hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A shift travel device, exemplified by a vertical lift arm device, is described which provides for free rotation of its cylinder and arm about its shaft and free travel along the shaft without transfer of twist imposed by the arm and load to its shaft, constant sealing of operating air pressure within the cylinder during operation and load changes, and minimum friction during rotation when the cylinder and arm are in the extreme raised or lowered positions. The device includes unique self-aligning spherical bearings at the ends of the cylinder. The device is useful is a wide variety of environments, including those which are unusually dirty or clean.

Abstract: A shuttle guide for a shuttle of a storage and retrieval machine having a mast and a carriage on which the shuttle is mounted. The shuttle includes first and second plates movable relative to each other in directions transverse to the mast for carrying and depositing in or retrieving a load from a storage space. The shuttle guide comprises a first guide member having a downward facing straight guide surface extending in the transverse directions of movement of the plates and a second guide member having an upward facing inclined guide surface. The inclined guide surface is inclined upwardly relative to one of the transverse directions. A first guide roller is positioned in engagement with the straight guide surface and a second guide roller is positioned such that it is engageable with the inclined guide surface and guides one of the moveable plates in an upwardly inclined direction toward a storage space.

Abstract: An industrial truck for picking up a laterally disposed load from the ground or from racks comprises at least one chassis beam, which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the track, an extending and retracting drive for laterally moving a load carrier subassembly including load carrier arms. A lifting drive is provided for vertically moving the load carrier subassembly relative to at least chassis beam. The load carrier arms of the forked load carrier or corresponding roller-carrying arms, which are transversely movable, are provided with downwardly extensible load-supporting rollers, which are adapted to support the load during a transverse movement of the load carrier.

Abstract: A fork lift truck includes a generally U-shaped frame having a pair of hydraulic driven wheels on the front end and a caster on the back end. A mast projects upwardly from the frame and is designed to move between the forward end of the vehicle and a retracted position behind the front wheels. A carriage is mounted on the forward end of the mast and reciprocates upwardly and downwardly on the mast in response to chains connected to a hydraulically driven piston which is mounted on the mast.

Abstract: Combination machine tool appartaus and pallet changing system includes a single pallet changer for changing both work pieces at a work piece machining station on the machine tool and tools at a tool storage station on the machine tool. The work piece machining station and tool storage station are offset approximately 45.degree. from each other as measured from the rotational axis of the pallet changer, which is provided with additional retractable rotational stops for locating the pallet changer at these additional 45.degree. indexing positions. Also, the tool storage station is located forwardly of the work piece machining station, thus allowing the pallet changer to be positioned closer to the front of the machine tool in the region of the work piece machining station without interfering with the indexing movement of the pallet changer between stations.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the operation of primary hoist and bridge apparatus, and gantry drive functions of the equipment. There is provided a side shift grappler apparatus to handle or pick up a truck trailer vehicle loaded with two containers and transfer the load from a roadway to a flat bed railroad car. The apparatus is adaptable to adjust or position the loaded truck trailer vehicle on the flat bed railroad car so as to place the fifth wheel of the trailer vehicle over and about the mounting stanchion of the flat bed railroad car for secure attachment thereat. The apparatus avoids the need to move the crane apparatus for only a relatively slight adjustment for positioning a loaded truck trailer on a flat bed railroad car.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a rear trailer to a front trailer in a tandem tractor-trailer assembly in which a boom attachment for a lift truck is provided with a vertical rotary lock pin adapted to be secured to a mobile connector carrier for lifting, rotating and moving the carrier to a working position between the front and rear trailers. The boom lift attachment is designed to rotate the mobile connector carrier relative to the lift truck in order to accurately position the mobile connector carrier in a working space between the trailers and to move the carrier into locking engagement with the front trailer, prior to rearward movement of the front trailer to engage the kingpin of the rear trailer with the mobile connector carrier.

Abstract: A machine for transporting tote pans to and from storage compartments arranged longitudinally in vertical rows along an aisle includes a vertically movable carriage provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending tote pan supporting guides which are transversely shiftable between centered and tote pan transfer positions. Associated with the guides is a pair of endless chains, each arranged in a horizontal orbit extending below one of the guides around the sides and ends thereof and carrying a pair of equidistantly spaced pins projecting above the support level of the guide, the pins on one chain being aligned longitudinally with the pins on the other chain. The chains are driven simultaneously in opposite directions on a storage or retrieval cycle synchronously with a cam which shifts the support assembly transversely.

Abstract: A reach mechanism for use on a material handling device having a load support carriage such as an industrial lift truck and a load carrier. The reach mechanism has a rear mount attachable to the carriage, a front mount for supporting lift forks or the like, and an extensible linkage for longitudinal projection and retraction of the front mount relative to the rear mount. The linkage includes two laterally spaced set of links, each set having a first pair of upper and lower links pivoted at the lower ends thereof to the rear mount at spaced points and a second pair of upper and lower links pivoted at the lower ends thereof to the front mount at spaced points. The upper end of each of the first and second pair upper links are pivotally connected to the upper end of the second and first pair lower links respectively. Hydraulic power rams actuate the links to project and retract the front mount.

Abstract: Lift mast transporting arrangements frequently encounter loading which is detrimental to its operation and life. A transport device connects a lift mast assembly to first and second spaced apart guide rails and guides movement of the lift mast assembly along the guide rails, a power device having a shaft moves the transport device along the first and second guide rails between first and second spaced apart positions, and a coupling connects the power device to the transport device and provides a preselected amount of free movement of the transport device relative to the shaft and in directions transverse of the first and second guide rails. Thus, the aforementioned problems related to loading of lift mast transport arrangement is alleviated. The lift mast transporting arrangement is particularly suited for use on a material handling vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a mobile vehicle that supports and positions a load relative to a docking structure, such as a patient relative to a medical diagnostic apparatus. The mobile vehicle includes a wheeled base, a carriage on the base, a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the carriage relative to the base, a load supporting cradle slidably mounted on the carriage for movement in a longitudinal direction between an operative extended position and an inoperative retracted position on the carriage, and a hydraulic system for controlling the operation of the vehicle and its components. The vehicle includes co-operating members on the base and on the docking structure for properly aligning and positioning the vehicle with respect to the docking structure. The movement of the carriage may be accomplished either manually through a foot pump or through a hydraulic power interlock between the vehicle base and docking structure which is engageable upon docking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scaffold for working under the stern of vessels for servicing propellers, propeller shafts, stern tubes, rudders and the like. The scaffold comprises a movable carriage to which is mounted a vertical support including actuating elements for raising or lowering a longitudinal platform at the upper part of the support. A further actuating element is used for longitudinally displacing the platform so as to reach the vessel parts to be serviced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a load lifting unit for a lift truck, and more particularly, an improved structure of a load lifting unit for a counterbalance type lift truck. In the invention, to increase the loading capacity and longitudinal stability of the lift truck as well as to improve the forward view from the lift truck, two lift cylinders (7) are separately disposed on the sides of a pair of upright assemblies (1) of the load lifting unit, respectively, to provide a space (17) between the upright assemblies for allowing a lift member (4) to be lifted and lowered within the space and for allowing actuating means of various operations attachments engaged with the lift member to be accommodatedly arranged within the space.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a remotely-controlled remote handling arrangnt for use in large-area radioactively-charged cells of a facility for reprocessing irradiated nuclear fuel materials. The remote handling means includes a travelling bridge crane and a manipulator carrying apparatus arranged in a plane below the bridge beam of the crane. To improve the self servicing and internal maintenance thereof, the arrangement is made up of various assemblies. The movable assemblies can be separated from their travelling chassis frames. The drive units for driving the chassis frames stay with assemblies when the latter are removed. Accordingly, chassis frames are left on the bridge beam or guide member without their drive units.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for automatically loading a transport vehicle with unit loads by automatically moving the unit loads from a predetermined loading position to prescribed positions in the transport vehicle. The present invention uses a loading vehicle which receives loads from a staging device which positions the unit loads in the predetermined loading position. A unit load transfer device transfers the unit loads from the staging device to the loading vehicle. The loading vehicle uses on-board sensors in combination with placement information provided by a staging processor to perform translational and operational movements which are processed by an on-board loading vehicle processor. Unit loads can be deposited throughout the transport vehicle by maintaining a guidance path which is internally generated within the transport vehicle and can be either internally or externally generated outside the transport vehicle.

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 connected between a lift drive and the lift carriage. The lift carriage carries a telescoping shuttle which includes a shuttle base, middle table and top table disposed one atop the other and for movement with respect to each either in a bi-directional manner. A pair of sheaves are rotatably mounted on the middle table at an acute angle to the surface of the middle table. A pair of cable connect the sheaves to the shuttle base and top table so that drive of the middle table, by a table drive mechanism, in a particular direction effects a movement of the top table in a corresponding direction but at twice the relative distance of the middle table.

Abstract: A device for transferring article storage pans between a selected storage compartment and shuttle which moves along the aisles of storage racks in a warehouse. The accumulator pan transfer device is vertically, movably mounted on the shuttle. An extractor carriage has a plurality of spaced cogged rollers and moves horizontally and upwardly on wheels located in V-shaped guides mounted on a horizontal base for engagement with a pan which is to be transferred between the device and a storage compartment. Certain of the cogged rollers are power driven and engage a series of projections formed on the bottom wall of the pan to remove the pan from the compartment and onto other of the supporting rollers for supporting the pan as it is transferred to the center of the base. Return of the extractor carriage to the center of the base deposits the removed pan onto a pair of transversely extending accumulator belts. The belts are power driven and remove the pan from the extractor.

Abstract: A rectangular frame is mounted on the mast of a conventional forklift. The frame extends outwardly from the front of the mast and includes a gear mounted thereon. First and second arm pairs depend from the gear and are rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the frame. Each arm pair includes two axially aligned elongate members mounted for movement both away from and toward one another. A grasping element is mounted on the end of each member for grasping opposing sides of a bin when the elongate members move toward one another.

Abstract: The cargo container carrier of this invention is configured to be removably attachable to the carriage structure of a conventional lift truck. The assembly comprises a vertically extensible main frame secured to the lift truck carriage, the frame pivotally supporting a first pair of tiltable container lifting beam sections for adjustment between an operative position in which they are in longitudinal extension, for engaging an empty cargo container for transport, and an inoperative position in which they extend along the lateral sides of the lift truck in order to allow for increased manueverability of the vehicle while not functioning in the transporting of cargo containers, and for operation of the lift truck in conventional uses and in confined spaces.

Abstract: A lift truck mechanism for handling glass sheets having a glass pack lifting frame. Gripping devices at the sides of the lifting frame engage sides of a glass pack. Feet at the bottom of the lifting frame support the glass pack on the frame. A framework of the mechanism attaches it to the lift mast of the lift truck, there being an operator control station platform extending rearwardly from the lifting frame above the lift mast. An intermediate frame is carried by the framework in selectively extendable relationship in front of the mast and there is a first pair of swinging frames swingably affixed to the intermediate frame for swinging movement on upright axes at the opposite sides of the intermediate frame. A second pair of swinging frames is provided, swingably affixed at proximal ends to the distal ends of the first pair of frames. Distal ends of the second pair of frames are pivoted to the lifting frame. A drag link interconnects the distal ends of the first pair of frames.

Abstract: An automatic code reading device, which is adaptable to use in object storage and retrieval apparatus, can read out the code mark affixed on an axial end surface of an object having a circular section. The device includes a housing defining a chamber in which the object should be loaded. In the housing, a read head unit for reading out the code mark and a holder for holding the drawn object are mounted. The read head unit or the holder is rotated by motor drive to scan the code mark affixed on the drawn object by the read head unit. The rotational angular extent is controlled (360.degree.+.alpha..degree.), where .alpha..degree. is at least an angular extent over which the code mark extends.The reading device is provided with a pick-up device for drawing object into the chamber and pushing out the object therefrom.

Abstract: A mobile lift truck for handling unpalletized loads comprising a tiltable load-carrying platform projecting forwardly from the main frame of the truck rotatably mounted so as to permit rotation of the platform about a generally vertical axis of rotation between respective rotatable positions substantially 90.degree. apart. A forwardly-facing push-pull frame having a slip sheet clamp is provided which does not rotate in unison with the platform, enabling the push frame to push loads forwardly off of the platform in both of the rotatable positions of the platform. Power-actuating circuitry is provided interconnecting the platform rotation function, push frame retraction function and slip sheet clamp release function so that the platform is prevented from rotating until the slip sheet clamp has been released and the push frame has been retracted off of the platform. Methods of application of the lift truck are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention refers to a transport exchange truck for changing and alternating metallurgic vessels, particularly for steel mill converters. The truck is provided with an interior frame part arranged to rotate in the center of the exterior carriage frame with at least one piston--supportable on the mill floor--of a piston-cylinder unit to raise the exterior frame part carrying the undercarriages. The exterior frame part supports a lift table which can be raised or lowered by means of one or several piston-cylinder units. Each piston rod is connected with the lift table through at least one ball-and-socket joint whose joint housing is provided with articulated traction elements.

Abstract: A stable hoist for loading and unloading articles (10) onto and from shelves (11) includes a base housing (12) from which extends a cruciform-shaped standard (13). A slide arrangement (14) mounted on the standard and driven by a power source (46 and 47) mounted in the housing moves a boom (16) up and down. The boom comprises a slide (20) and a trolley (21) from which depends a clamp (22) to grip the article. Inverted L-shaped arm structures (28 and 29) extend from the crossarms (26 and 27) of the cruciform-shaped standard (13). Stabilizing plates (48 and 49) are pivotally mounted in arm sections (33 and 34) to engage the shelf during a loading or unloading operation. The weight of components mounted in the base housing (12) and on the cruciform-shaped standard (13) act to counterbalance the tilting force during a loading and unloading operation.