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 pneumatic load balancing device having an inflatable reservoir establishing via an amplifier a pressure within a lift chamber that is sufficient to balance the weight of an object being lifted. The reservoir is inflated and deflated by inflation and deflation valves that may be operated from an operator control center proximal an end effector of the device. The valves may be actuated via pushbuttons or in a mutually exclusively fashion via a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator. The device allows loads of different weights to be lifted in a semi-automatic fashion with operator involvement to select the load balancing pressure. The device may have an air release system that closes a blocking valve in the event of release of the object and optionally in the event of a loss of air supply. The pressure within the lift chamber is thereby preserved and can be vented at different rates.

Abstract: Substrate support methods and apparatus include vertically aligned lift pins that have bearing surfaces that engage friction plates and/or magnetic fields to maintain the vertical orientation of the lift pins during substrate lifting. In some embodiments, a magnetic field and/or weighting may alternatively or additionally be used to control the vertical orientation of the lift pins, limit the angle of the lift pins, and/or prevent the lift pins from unintentionally binding in a susceptor as the susceptor is raised and prevent the resulting uneven support of the substrate.

Abstract: A lift that is configured to securely lift, carry and deposit a control unit using three degrees of movement. The lift comprises a chassis having a support frame and a power source connected to the support frame. A pivot member rotatably connects to the support frame, wherein the pivot member has a pivot plate and a rod rotatably connected to the pivot plate. A lift frame connects to the rod of the pivot plate, wherein a lift arm rotatably connects to the lift frame. The lift further comprises a pressurized fluid drive operatively connected to the power source and operatively connected to the pivot plate, the lift frame and the lift arm. The fluid drive is configured to reciprocally move the pivot plate, the lift frame and the lift arm such that the lift arm moves in three degrees of movement with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes a vertical guide device, a turntable device which is movable along the vertical guide device upwards or downwards, and a first driving device which drives the turntable device moving in an upward and downward direction guided by the vertical guide device. The turntable device includes a bracket which is slidably engaged with the vertical guide device and projects perpendicularly toward a side of the vertical guide device, a turntable which is rotatably provided on the bracket, and a second driving device which rotates the turntable on the bracket.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting fork for lifting pallets, panels, panel stacks, and the like, and comprises a fork carrier, the lower end of which supports lifting prongs, and the upper end of which is attachable to a linking piece which has a pendulous axis for the pendulous mounting of the lifting fork. According to the invention, the lifting fork is distinguished by the fact that a swivel device is provided by which all the lifting prongs are able to be swiveled, in the unloaded state, about a common axis which is located parallel to the pendulous axis of the linking piece and parallel to the insertion direction in which the lifting prongs are insertable under a pallet, panels, or a panel stack, or the like.

Abstract: A pallet positioner includes a support frame that consists of a main upright structure with a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending horizontally at ground level. The distal ends of the outriggers are connected by a low-profile ramp. The upright structure includes a pair of vertical guide masts rigidly mounted on a horizontal base bracing the proximal ends of the outriggers. A pneumatically and hydraulically controlled, or electrically and hydraulically controlled, cantilevered carrier with a rotatable platform is mounted for vertical motion along the vertical guide masts. When the carrier travels downward, the carrier stops automatically at a level above the outriggers and must be manually restarted. A braking system under the platform prevents rotation thereof at ground level.

Abstract: A bridge loadport is described comprising a tool interface, an advance plate assembly, a port plate, and a port door. The tool interface extends vertically and is configured to substantially cover one end of a process tool. The advance plate assembly is supported on the front side of the tool interface and is configured to support a front-opening unified pod (pod). The port plate extends vertically, covering an upper portion of the tool interface. An aperture having a size and shape that substantially matches a size and shape of a door of a pod is formed in the port plate. The port door has a port door actuator and a port door face attached to the port door actuator. In one embodiment, the port door face is movable with respect to the port door actuator along a ling perpendicular to the aperture.

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

Abstract: A transferring apparatus transfers an article to be processed, which is carried by a carrier device, to a holder provided in a processing chamber defined by a processing vessel and adapted to hold the article at a specified processing position. The transferring apparatus includes a temporarily holding member, and transfers the article from the intermediate position to the processing position after receiving the article carried by the carrier device at an intermediate position distanced from the holder and temporarily holding it. The temporarily holding member is retracted to a position in the outside of the processing vessel after the article is transferred.

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 set of lift pins defines a storage location for a substrate in a substrate processing chamber. Each lift pin has an actuating mechanism including a translating mechanism that translates vertical actuation into horizontal motion. The actuating mechanism may include a base, a mechanism adapted to raise and lower the base, and a lever pivotally mounted on the base. The lift pin may be fixedly mounted on the lever. A stop may be adjacent the base and adapted to engage the lever to pivot the lever as the base is lowered.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to make it as easy as possible to change a spindle in a lifting device (2) for substrates, which device comprises a support (10). To this end the support is configured such that it can be made to engage the substrate holder (25) by rotation or by pivoting.

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

Abstract: A pallet positioner includes a support frame that consists of a main upright structure with a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending horizontally at ground level. The distal ends of the outriggers are connected by a flat, low-profile ramp. The upright structure includes a pair of vertical guide masts rigidly mounted on a horizontal base bracing the proximal ends of the outriggers. A cantilevered carrier with a rotatable platform is mounted laterally for vertical motion along the vertical guide masts. A pneumatic bellows and an air reservoir in the base are adapted to raise and provide self-leveling to the platform. Two hydraulic cylinders provide dampening and a stabilizing effect. The flow of hydraulic fluid in the cylinders is used to control the motion of the carrier. A braking system under the platform prevents its rotation at ground level.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for transporting a first substrate and a second substrate relative to a cell. The cell contains a pedestal that is configured to interact with a single substrate. When swapping wafers in a cell, a first substrate is displaced from the pedestal to a remote location and a second substrate is inserted into the cell and onto the pedestal. The first substrate is then removed from the cell.

Abstract: A pallet positioner includes a support frame that consists of a main upright structure with a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending horizontally at ground level. The distal ends of the outriggers are connected by a low-profile ramp. The upright structure includes a pair of vertical guide masts rigidly mounted on a horizontal base bracing the proximal ends of the outriggers. A pneumatically and hydraulically controlled, or electrically and hydraulically controlled, cantilevered carrier with a rotatable platform is mounted for vertical motion along the vertical guide masts. When the carrier travels downward, the carrier stops automatically at a level above the outriggers and must be manually restarted. A braking system under the platform prevents rotation thereof at ground level.

Abstract: A pallet positioner includes a support frame that consists of a main upright structure with a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending horizontally at ground level. The distal ends of the outriggers are connected by a flat, low-profile ramp. The upright structure includes a pair of vertical guide masts rigidly mounted on a horizontal base bracing the proximal ends of the outriggers. A cantilevered carrier with a rotatable platform is mounted laterally for vertical motion along the vertical guide masts. A pneumatic bellows and an air reservoir in the base are adapted to raise and provide self-leveling to the platform. Two hydraulic cylinders provide dampening and a stabilizing effect. The flow of hydraulic fluid in the cylinders is used to control the motion of the carrier. A braking system under the platform prevents its rotation at ground level.

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: A tub-like member is recessed below floor surface level in a pit and carries therein an extendable and retractable lifting mechanism. The tub includes a horizontal outwardly extending flange essentially at floor surface level, and overlying the floor surface, which a loader/unloader may easily manipulate with foot pressure to rotate the tub and stacked articles on a pallet carried on the lifting mechanism within the tub-like member. Easily operable controls are provided for the loader/unloader to incrementally raise and lower the lifting mechanism to present the top article of a stack on a pallet at a comfortable lifting height. Also included is a new and improved mechanism for supporting a pallet for manual rotation and incrementally controlled vertical movement.

Abstract: A device for stacking and unstacking loads has a base made up of an upright housing and a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending from the housing. Vertical guide rods are mounted on the exterior of the housing, and a platform assembly is movable up-and-down on the guide rods. In its lowermost position, the platform assembly sits on the ground between the outriggers. The platform assembly comprises a carrier, a platform on the carrier having a circular opening, a turntable mounted on the carrier within the opening, and a braking system for the turntable. The platform is movable up-and-down with respect to the turntable. When the platform assembly is in a raised position, the platform is located below the turntable and the braking system is disengaged. The platform rises to the level of the turntable, and the braking system engages, in response to arrival of the platform assembly at ground level.

Abstract: A rolled web carrying apparatus is used to enable easy and safe handling of a web. On a carrying truck is mounted a web receiver which faces the peripheral surface of the web and is vertically movable and rotatable around a bearing through a parallelogram link device. Further a fluid pressure cylinder is mounted as one side of the parallelogram link device, by which the web receiver can be tilted between a level position and a vertical position.

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: An attachment for industrial trucks, especially lift trucks, is designed as a multi-articulated lever mechanism (11), preferably as a three-hinge arm. This is articulated to a support plate (1), which can be locked and/or fixed in a bracket of the industrial truck. The lever arms (5, 6, 7) of the lever mechanism (11) are rotatable in relation to one another in articulated axles (3, 8, 10), and can be driven, individually and/or in a simultaneous movement, at least in the horizontal direction by mechanical, hydraulic and/or electrical devices. A load pickup device (12), which can be used preferably as a pivoting retractable fork, is arranged at the last, freely hanging lever arm (7). At least one of the lever arms (5 or 6 or 7) is adjustable in height along its articulated axle (3 or 8 or 10).

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a load in any orientation. The apparatus includes a base with an attached lift arm that has a plurality of members slidably interconnected. At least one of the plurality of members is pivotally attached to the base, and a rotatable connector is attached to at least one other of the plurality of members opposite the base. A carriage is provided at the distal end of the lift arm. The carriage includes a carrier pivotally attached to the rotatable connector and a track slidably connected to the carrier. Straps and clamps secure a load such as a pipe to the carrier. The apparatus also includes a hydraulic power system to position the lift arm and the carriage.

Abstract: A load-lifting device includes a load carrying beam at whose underside are arranged load-lifting magnets and which has on both sides vertical support columns, wherein securing arms of a load securing device are arranged on the vertical support columns so as to be swingable and in out about a vertical axis. The securing arms engage underneath a suspended load when oriented toward each other in a secured position. The support columns are each arranged on upper support arms which are swingably fastened to a lifting device. The lifting device is supported by the load carrying beam. The securing arms engage in the secured position thereof underneath a suspended load and can be placed against the underside of the load.

Abstract: A combination desk and wheelchair-lift adapted primarily for medical-surgical examination/treatment of a wheelchair-seated person comprises a mobile desk unit having a selectively retractable caster assembly. The wheelchair lift is attached to the desk by a linking slider assembly and is movable between a stored position underneath the desk and an extended position spaced from the desk. When in the extended position, a wheelchair may be rolled onto the wheelchair-lift rotatable platform and raised in a vertical direction by electrically actuated lifting mechanisms on either side of the platform. A clamp assembly is provided adjacent one of the lifting mechanisms for attaching a variety of diagnostic examination/treatment or medical-surgical equipment positioned adjacent the patient seated in the wheelchair.

Abstract: A vehicle tire and wheel handling device in the form of a pair of tire and wheel receiving cradles or supports for receiving, supporting and handling vehicle tires and wheels when a vehicle is on a hoist in elevated position to facilitate the tires and wheels being "rotated", that is, being switched from one position on the vehicle to another position. Each cradle or support includes spaced parallel side support members interconnected by end rollers to cradle and receive a substantial portion of the periphery of a tire and wheel assembly in order to engage and support the wheel as it is removed from a wheel hub and maintain it supported in generally an upright position while the wheel is moved from a position adjacent one hub of the vehicle to a position adjacent another hub of the vehicle so that the tire and wheel assembly can be remounted on the vehicle on a different hub from which it was removed.

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: Load lifting device in particular for a truck, the device comprising: a pair of substantially upright columns (6) which can be in a stationary position in respect of the truck; a slide (7) being movable along the columns; a platform assembly (12) being mounted to the slide such that it can be pivoted around an axis (10) running parallel to the plane of the columns and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of these, members being present for moving the slide in respect of the columns, the platform assembly (12) comprising two sections: a base section (11) being pivotally mounted to the slide (7) and a carrying section (14) being pivotally mounted to the base section (11).

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 rack for attachment to the backboard of a forklift has a very long laterally extended beam with forwardly extended, adjustable tangs, the rack being designed primarily for use in engaging wide sections of roof ordinarily having a truss along one long ede with the purpose being to safely and conveniently lift each roof section into place adjacent the previous roof section which was similarly put in place, and so forth, during the construction phase of a building such as a warehouse.

Abstract: A lifting and turning unit for a melting or casting plant. The lifting and turning unit for a deposit stand, preferably a table, for ingot molds of a vacuum melting and casting plant is provided. The unit consists of a tubular, vertically arranged lifter column that is axially movable with a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit and that has its upper end carrying the ingot mold table. A guide system composed of guide columns and of a yoke is provided. The guide columns serve for guiding the lifter column and for protecting the lifter column against twisting. The drive for the rotation of the rotatable ingot mold table is connected to the lifter column away from the harsh chamber environment. The unit provides an extremely low maintenance lifting and turing device wherein the longitudinal movements and the rotary movements can be executed separately from one another and thus allow for an exact positioning of the table.

Abstract: The output of a high speed press or bindery is formed into stacks which are then combined into four stack "cubes". The cubes are handled as units and formed into tiers which can be loaded onto pallets. A pickup head for manipulating the cubes is carried by a transport device such as a gantry or robot arm. It has a top plate which is connected to the transport device. The top plate carries horizontal guide members from which depend four side panels. The side panels may be retracted to grasp the sides of the cube or extended to release the cube. Fingers mounted along the bottom edges of the side panels are designed to extend between the bottom sheets of the cube and the surface on which it sits. They can be locked into this position, permitting the cube to be lifted and transported by the pickup head. Also disclosed is a gantry-type transport device with a telescoping extender to which the pickup head is connected.

Abstract: A movable body having a pair of parallel arms supported from the body and in turn supporting a pair of forks for movement for engaging and releasing the bottom of a stack of sheet material. A clamp is movably connected to the body above the forks for engaging the top of the material and holding the material between the clamp and the extended forks. A probe lifter is movably connected to the body and movable between a lower position below the forks and an upper position between the extended forks for removing the weight of the stack from the forks for allowing the forks to be retracted.

Abstract: A manufacturing installation having several fixed work stations and a handling device, said work stations being disposed along at least one handling bay. It further comprises a handling device having, on the one hand, an overhead transporter movable along the handling bay and having means for grasping, transporting and setting down a batch of a given number of objects and, on the other hand, at right angles to each work station, an intermediate take up and storage device having an upstream station for setting down by the transporter, a downstream station for taking up by the transporter and a conveyor capable of grasping the batch of objects as a whole at the upstream station, presenting the objects one by one at the work station and placing them as a whole in the downstream station, so as to completely decouple the operation of the transporter from each work station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container grab comprising co-operating jaws attached to a frame, between which jaws a container rim is to be accommodated, characterized in that the under jaw is attached to a carriage slidable along a frame column comprised in said frame and the upper jaw is attached to one end of a lever pivotally attached to said carriage, the other end of said lever being coupled via a link with said frame column. Preferably said carriage is provided with a hook element that co-operates as such with a material strip attached to said frame, that on sliding said carriage along said frame column as to bring the jaws in the closed position, said hook element hooks behind said strip locking the pair of jaws against an undesired opening.

Abstract: A wheel chair is provided which is adapted to permit the chair to be separated from the wheeled chassis so that the chair may be positioned on a seat of an automobile. The wheeled chassis provides support for the chair on the side of the chair so that the chair may be brought into the automobile through the open door with the wheeled chassis moving beneath the automobile. The support for the chair is rotatably on the wheeled chassis so that the chair can be rotated into alignment with the seat in the automobile. The support for the chair is also vertically adjustable so that the chair may be lowered to rest on the automobile seat. The wheeled chassis and support for the chair may then be disassembled and stored in the automobile.

Abstract: A method for loading a stack of filled cartons onto a transport vehicle includes lifting the cartons at the first station on a rotator lift truck and then rotating the cartons through an acute angle to cradle the cartons for carrying purposes. The cartons are then carried in their rotative position towards a second station, and again rotated to an upright position. The cartons are compressed at the second station and thereafter loaded onto the transport vehicle by a second lift truck. The rotator lift truck utilized for effecting the lifting, rotating, carrying and compressing steps includes a mast assembly mounted forwardly thereon and a rotator attachment mounted on the mast assembly for vertical movements and for rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A loader, transport and worktable cart having a base supported by front and rear wheels. An upright column supported by the base and in turn supporting a platform for up and down movement of the platform upon operation of a winch. A stop pivotally supported by the base to stop the front of the platform against downward movement past a predetermined level. A pivotal support for the rear of the platform allowing it to be lowered below the predetermined level so that when the rear of the cart is lifted the platform will be swung toward a generally level orientation. Spring retained cables for locking the platform against the stop. Glides behind the front wheels for aiding movement of the cart up or down steps. Handles extending upwardly and rearwardly from the rear of the base with hand grips positioned to be held by a repair-person standing generally erect when the rear of the cart is raised.

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 rotating truck lift structure integral with a building to facilitate delivery truck accessing of multiple internal loading and unloading docks via a narrow street entranceway.

Abstract: Crate carrying apparatus able to be mounted on a fork lift truck or other lifting device, having at least first and second groups of crate engaging members which can be selectively presented for crate lifting, the engaging members of each group being spaced apart at distances appropriate to the spacing apart of apertures in the crates of a stack of crates of the particular group.

Abstract: Completed, shaped and uncured tires are placed on an inclined chute having a gate mechanism for automatically transferring one tire to a tire carrier while the other tires are retained in the chute. The tire carrier raises and rotates the tire to an upper position for movement of a conveyor hook through a central aperture of the tire and into engagement with one side of the tire to move it out of the carrier into a supported position on the conveyor.

Abstract: A hank transfer apparatus for transferring hanks from a hank carrier (100) to a holding or transporting device, comprises, on a stationary structure (11, 12, 13) a movable head (72) carrying two parallel hank-holder rods (90, 91) extended therefrom, which can be moved near each other in a closing position for introduction into a hank hanging from a hank carrier, and moved away from each other to an opening position for removing a hank from its own hank-carrier; the head (72) is movable in three orthogonal directions and rotatable, by sliding members (25, 40, 70) and guides (15,16; 31,32; 63,64) and a rotational device (50).

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling signature bundles. The apparatus is particularly designed to place one signature bundle in end-to-end relationship with another. The apparatus includes a clamping plate at one end of a frame and a pair of pivotal arms at the other end of the frame which can engage and disengage a signature at the end of the bundle without damaging it. This enables a new signature bundle to be stacked on another one at feeding equipment which separates and collates the bundles with other bundles, by way of example.

Abstract: A rotary device adapted for use with fork-lift trucks, wherein the fork members thereof are mounted to the rotary device and arranged in a normal pick-up position so as to engage a conventional trash container, whereby the container is lifted and rotated about the axis of the device, thereby dumping the trash disposed in the container. The rotary device comprises a rear mounting plate adapted to be secured to the lifting structure of the fork-lift. The plate includes a bearing spindle attached thereto on which a bearing hub is rotatably mounted; and the bearing hub includes a locking drum which is releasably positioned by a locking assembly mounted to one side thereof. Secured to the free end of the bearing hub is a fork-mounting plate whereby the fork members are adapted to be supported thereon, so as to rotate with the bearing hub.