Abstract: A transfer and coating apparatus transfers a component from a conveyor to a coating station for application of a coating. The transfer apparatus includes a mast that can move about orthogonal axes in a horizontal plane and a mast having a carriage that can move vertically. The carriage includes a hook that swings about a horizontal axis relative to the mast for movement of the component in the horizontal direction. A sway bar extends between the hook and component to inhibit movement about a horizontal axis. The component is delivered to an upper compartment of a coating apparatus where it can be lowered in to a lower compartment containing coating material. Excess coating material is removed by an array of nozzles in the upper compartment as the component is raised from the coating material.

Abstract: A pallet jack includes forks which can be removably attached to the base for positioning in a horizontal use position or a vertical storage position. The base includes forwardly open sockets for receiving the forks in the use position and upwardly open sockets for receiving the forks in the storage position. A lock mechanism locks the wheels in the use position. In an alternative embodiment, the base is eliminated, with each fork having an actuator for raising and lowering the fork wheels.

Abstract: An industrial truck is described, the industrial truck comprising a chassis, a mast arranged on the chassis in an upright position, a load-carrying apparatus, which is configured for receiving a load that is to be transported, a support structure that supports the load-carrying apparatus on the mast and can be moved, together with the load-carrying apparatus, upwards and downwards on the mast, and comprising a device for reducing vibrations, wherein the device for reducing vibrations has at least one additional mass body, which is supported by the mast or the components connected thereto and is not constantly rigidly coupled to the mast or the support structure or the load-carrying apparatus, but is movably mounted by a bearing arrangement such that it is movable relative to the mast in response to mast vibrations, in particular to mast vibrations having horizontal vibration components, in order to counteract mast vibrations.

Abstract: Industrial truck, in particular a tri-lateral sideloader, comprising a chassis (6), a mast (8) arranged on the chassis (6), a cab (12), a support structure (9) supporting the cab (12), which can be moved up and down on the mast (8) together with the cab (12) and has at least one cantilever arrangement (24; 124) projecting from the mast (8), which arrangement extends underneath the cab (12) and supports a load-carrying assembly (36) arranged in front of the cab (12), and a device for reducing vibrations having vibration components transverse to the main direction of travel (G) of the industrial truck, which device allows vibration-reducing movements of the load-carrying assembly (36) relative to the mast (8), characterized in that the cantilever arrangement (24; 124) has a division, having a first cantilever portion (50a; 150a), which is coupled to the mast (8) and guided thereon in a height-adjustable manner, as a first part, and having a second cantilever portion (50b; 150b), which supports the load-carry

Abstract: The invention relates to a transelevator (1) for handling pallets, suitable for use in a system for storing goods or similar, said transelevator comprising a lower mobile frame (2) fixedly supporting a vertical lifting column (3) along which a pallet-removal device can move. The invention also relates to a pallet removal device for a transelevator, comprising: a lifting frame (20) provided with lifting wheels which travel along the length of guide means; a laterally mobile fixed frame (21); and a mobile carriage (22) capable of mobile in relation to the fixed frame (21) and including a fork (23) which can be moved laterally along axis Z by means of a lateral movement shaft (29) actuated by motor means and which can be rotated in plane X-Z by means of a rotation shaft (44) actuated by motor means.

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 handling apparatus is provided that attaches to a three-point hitch of a farm implement/tractor. The apparatus allows for engaging multiple bales in a field while the tractor is driven in a forward direction. The bales are engaged while they are disposed beside the tractor such that they are in view of the operator. Once bales are engaged, the apparatus allows for rotating the bales from a position beside the tractor to a position behind the tractor. This allows, inter alia, the tractor to pass through openings (e.g., gates or doors) while carrying multiple bales.

Abstract: A three-side stacker with a side push frame at one end of the stacker, on which a side arm is horizontally traversable mounted, wherein the side arm has a first traversable portion mounted on the side push frame and a second portion, which is mounted pivotally around a vertical axis on the first portion and on which a load supporting means is mounted, which is actuable by a hydraulic lifting cylinder, and a pivoting equipment for the second portion, mounted on the first portion, wherein the casing of a hydraulic rotational drive with a rotatable spindle is fixed on the first portion, wherein a portion of the spindle is splinedly connected with a holder or a lifting scaffold for the load supporting means outside the casing.

Abstract: An industrial truck, in particular a stacker vehicle, having a mobile base, a cab, which can be moved in relation to the mobile base, for an operator, a load-receiver and a device, which is arranged on the mobile base, for moving the load-receiver in relation to the mobile base, wherein the device for moving the load-receiver has a multiple-element articulated arm as a support, which can be moved in a controllable manner, for the load-receiver, and wherein the articulated arm, starting from a base-side articulation point beneath the cab or starting from a base-side articulation point above the cab, extends to the load-receiver, the elements of the articulated arm being connected to one another by pivot bearings—and being capable of being moved in relation to one another in order to manipulate the load-receiver.

Abstract: A fabricated metal carrier apparatus includes a carrier member having downwardly facing parallel spaced channels for receiving the forwardly projecting parallel forks of a forklift truck or vehicle. The carrier member has a rotatable vertical shaft located between the forks and connected to support a suspended member adapted to be attached to a load to be transported. A locating and locking arm projects rearwardly from the carrier member and engages the forks to prevent sliding movement of the carrier member on the forks. When not in use, the carrier apparatus is supported and stored in a suspended and conveniently viewed elevated position by an A-frame which has a depending hook for engaging the carrier member. The frame permits the forklift vehicle to pick up and lock on the carrier apparatus and return while the vehicle operator remains in his seat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for handling blowout preventer stacks. In one embodiment the handling system includes a cart, or skid, providing a base platform, a tilting frame, and a lifting frame. The stack is attached to the lifting frame, which is slidingly supported by the tilting frame, which pivots relative to the cart. The cart provides for positional adjustment of the stack in a first horizontal direction, while positional adjustment in a second, perpendicular horizontal direction is provided by a lateral adjustment mechanism coupling the tilting frame and the cart. The lifting frame can be moved vertically relative to the cart and also provides for rotational adjustment of the stack about its central axis.

Abstract: A fork lift truck attachment having side shiftable forks which can be adjusted for side loading and which can be tilted fore and aft laterally.

Abstract: A fork lift with retractably extendable loading prongs for lifting loads from either side of a vehicle. The fork lift includes a mechanism for displacing the prongs over and across the vehicle, which mechanism has front and rear transverse girders which can be rigidly secured to the vehicle's chassis. The mechanism further includes front and rear masts, sprocketed wheels mounted on the masts to move the front and rear masts reciprocally, and a longitudinal beam which is coupled to the masts. The longitudinal beam can move up and down. Front and rear uprights extend downwardly from the longitudinal beam. The prongs are retractably engaged to the bottom of the uprights and are moved with hydraulic pistons.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift attachment is connected to the lift arms of a loading vehicle, and includes a base plate with a pair of brackets thereon for pivotal attachment to the lift arms of the loading vehicle. A first jaw member is rigidly connected to the base plate adjacent one end thereof and projects forwardly beyond the forward edge of the base plate. A second jaw member is operably connected to the base plate for selective pivotal movement about a pivot axis, and also projects forwardly beyond the forward edge of the base plate. The second jaw member is also operably connected for selective slidable movement of the pivot axis towards and away from the first jaw member. A first hydraulic cylinder is connected between an intermediate point on the second jaw and a fixed point on the base plate, so as to pivot the second jaw about a pivot axis.

Abstract: A fork lift attachment is provided for attachment to a conventional snowplow lifting apparatus on the front of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The forklift attachment includes a frame configured to be operably mounted to the snowplow lifting apparatus for movement between a load lifted position and a load lowered position, and a pair of tines pivotally connected to the frame for movement between a raised position for storage and a lowered position for use. In one form, a tine supporting subframe is pivotally connected to the frame, and an adjustable link is connected between the subframe and the frame to limit the rotation of the tine supporting subframe so that the tines, when in the lowered use position and when lifting a heavy load, pivot forwardly to a preselected generally horizontal angle when in the load lifted position. A spring is further connected between the subframe and the frame to bias the subframe to a generally horizontal home position against the frame when the tines are not loaded.

Abstract: A material handling adjustable conveyor comprising an adjustable boom, and front-end material handling device with four degrees of freedom to allow loads to be lifted and rotated into position and placed or removed from an over-the-road vehicle or unloaded from such a vehicle. During the loading or unloading procedure, the load is only supported by the front-end material handling device. Some of the load is borne by the floor of the cargo vehicle when more than minimal torsion forces are applied to the front-end material handling device. The material handling device is computer controlled based upon the dimensions of the vehicle being loaded and unloaded and further comprises sensors for fine adjustment of front-end handling device motion during the course of the loading or unloading. Other senors can be used to measure and record the internal dimensions of a cargo vehicle.

Abstract: A material handling adjustable conveyor comprising an adjustable boom, and front-end material handling device with four degrees of freedom to allow loads to be lifted and rotated into position and placed or removed from an over-the-road vehicle or unloaded from such a vehicle. During the loading or unloading procedure, the load is only supported by the front-end material handling device. Some of the load is borne by the floor of the cargo vehicle when more than minimal torsion forces are applied to the front-end material handling device. The material handling device is computer controlled based upon the dimensions of the vehicle being loaded and unloaded and further comprises sensors for fine adjustment of front-end handling device motion during the course of the loading or unloading. Other senors can be used to measure and record the internal dimensions of a cargo vehicle.

Abstract: A freight manipulation includes a tracked chassis with an articulated cantilever boom extending therefrom which is capable of swinging about a horizontal tilt axis. A tool carriage, mounted at the end of the boom by a multiple stage lift mast, has a pair of freight engaging tools thereon. the telescoping mast includes an upper frame connected to the boom for pivoting about a vertical axis, a middle frame, and a lower frame having the tool carriage slidably mounted thereon. A pair of secondary lift cylinders are connected between the upper and middle frames. A pair of secondary lift chains are connected between the upper and lower frames and engage pulleys on the middle frame such that as the secondary cylinders extend or retract to respectively lower or raise the middle frame, the lower frame is lowered or raised relative to the middle frame.

Abstract: A stern drive handling device includes a wheeled lower support frame and an extensible upper support frame telescopically mounted on the lower support frame. A horizontally disposed hollow sleeve is secured to the upper end of the upper support frame and a screw jack is provided for adjusting the height of the sleeve relative to the lower support frame. A support bracket assembly is pivotally mounted in the sleeve for swinging movement about a horizontal axis and a pair of pivoted clamps adapted to engage the cavitation plates on the housing of a stern drive unit are pivotally mounted on the support bracket assembly for pivotal adjusting movement about a second horizontal axis orthogonal to the first horizontal axis. The clamps may be secured in any desired pivoted position and limit stops are provided to limit the pivoting movement of the clamps.

Abstract: A mixed freight handling system, particularly for limited access areas such as an end-opening trailer at a dock, includes a telescoping conveyor overlapping a fixed conveyor and translatable into the trailer to receive hand liftable articles. A freight manipulator includes an appropriate and changeable freight manipulator tool mounted on an extendible boom and is translatable adjacent and along the conveyors to the dock edge. The tool is extendible into the trailer for engaging and supporting manually nonliftable freight for transfer to or from a freight conveyor extending alongside the path of the manipulator. The telescoping conveyor includes a base section engaged with a track, an inclinable lift section, and a liftable and laterally swingable head section. The manipulator includes a chassis engaged with a track straddling the fixed and telescoping conveyors and has a tunnel formed therethrough, allowing the passage of articles on the conveyors therebeneath.

Abstract: A fork extension and retraction system for use with stockpickers automatically extends and retracts hydraulically extendable forks of a stockpicker when the load handler carrying the forks has moved to its extended position on the load side of the vehicle, and it also automatically retracts the forks if they have drifted from a home position before performing other fork related activities. Switches in the fork carriage assembly sense when the extendable forks are in the home position and near the home position. Other switches sense when the load handler assembly has reached its extreme positions on either side of the operator's platform. Still other switches are used to slow the traverse movement of the load handler assembly as it approaches its extreme positions, thus to cushion the shock of the load handler stopping. A control circuit senses the condition of these switches and controls the operation of both the load handle and the fork extension hydraulic system.

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: Method and apparatus for storing and retrieving loads increases usable warehouse storage space by allowing a load having a given length and width to be stored and retrieved from a narrow aisle while requiring less wasted space between adjacent stored loads. As a load is rotated 90.degree. preparatory to translating it into a storage space, the center of rotation is moved first in one direction along the aisle and then in the opposite direction. One corner of the load enters and sweeps across the initially empty storage space, and during a terminal portion of the rotation another corner of the load enters the storage space along a path having little or no component of motion in the aisle direction.

Abstract: A load-conveying apparatus provided with a load support device, a jib arm having the load support device mounted thereon and adapted to be swiveled relative thereto about a vertical axis, a guide frame having the jib arm extending therefrom in a cantilevered fashion, the guide frame supporting the jib arm for lateral movement along the guide frame in a generally horizontal direction, drive means for driving the jib arm along the guide frame, and stabilizing means for absorbing turning moments applied about a vertical axis acting between the jib arm and the guide frame.

Abstract: An industrial truck includes a pair of forks mounted on a carrier at one end of a boom. The boom can be traversed in a constrained manner, one end of the boom following a D-shaped path, the boom having components of movement lengthways, fore and aft of the truck and laterally, across the truck and the carrier can be swivelled relative to the boom. Mechanical or electrical constraints may be incorporated to permit pivoting of the carrier about an axis spaced from the end of the boom so that the forks may be rotated within the width of the truck before any sideways reach movement.

Abstract: A fork lift frame that supports a pair of forks. Each fork has a vertical portion and a load supporting horizontal portion. A hinge assembly is attached to the vertical portion of each fork at an acute angle relative to the vertical portion of the forks so that the horizontal portion of the forks can be positioned across the front of the frame in a vertically spaced position when they are not in use.

Abstract: A fork lift with retractably extendable loading prongs for lifting loads from either side of a vehicle. The fork lift includes a mechanism for displacing the prongs over and across the vehicle, which mechanism has front and rear transverse girders which can be rigidly secured to the vehicle's chassis. The mechanism further includes front and rear masts, sprocketed wheels mounted on the masts to move the front and rear masts reciprocally, and a longitudinal beam which is coupled to the masts. The longitudinal beam can move up and down. Front and rear uprights extend downwardly from the longitudinal beam. The prongs are retractably engaged to the bottom of the uprights and are moved with hydraulic pistons.

Abstract: A fork lift with retractably extendable loading prongs for lifting loads from either side of a vehicle. The fork lift includes a mechanism for displacing the prongs over and across the vehicle, which mechanism has front and rear transverse girders which can be rigidly secured to the vehicle's chassis. The mechanism further includes front and rear masts, sprocketed wheels mounted on the masts to move the front and rear masts reciprocally, and a longitudinal beam which is coupled to the masts. The longitudinal beam can move up and down. Front and rear uprights extend downwardly from the longitudinal beam. The prongs are retractably engaged to the bottom of the uprights and are moved with hydraulic pistons.