Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle which is capable of lifting a load from the ground into a transport position on the vehicle and vice-versa. The lifting apparatus includes a member or frame (4) pivotally mounted at 5 on the vehicle chassis and controlled by a hydraulic ram (11). An arm (14) is pivotally mounted on the member or frame (4) and is controlled by a hydraulic ram (16). A member (18) is telescopically mounted in the arm (14) and is controlled by a third hydraulic ram. Bars (20 and 21) on the end of the member (18) are engageable in slots (22 and 23) on the forward end of a flatrack or similar load (24). In one embodiment of the invention, the mechanism can be used for tipping a load as well as for hoisting it on and off the vehicle and, for this purpose, hooks (27), rollers (28) and the pivot point (5) are located in brackets (8) rotatable about an axis (7).

Abstract: A crane-like apparatus for enabling easy assembly and easy lifting from a horizontal to a vertical position of a structure. The apparatus comprises two (or more) clamping arms attached to the pivotally mounted mast of the apparatus with clamping means mounted on clamping arms at selective positions along the lengths thereof, such as by providing a plurality of spaced holes through which mounting bolts may be selectively fastened. The clamping means comprises a hydraulic cylinder on one end of the clamping arms and either another hydraulic cylinder, or a dummy cylinder or stop, on the other end so that the structure to be assembled may be clamped therebetween by application of hydraulic fluid to the cylinder, thus not marring the surface of the structure.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a crane over either chassis side member of a truck has an elongated body member having removable, telescopically-extendable rods at its ends provided with likewise-telescopic supporting legs to provide support against the driving surface. A platform protrudes transversely from the body member for releasable acceptance of the crane. The body member and platform are symmetrical about a center plane longitudinal of the body member for permitting the use of the bracket for right-hand and left-hand mounting of the crane by turning the bracket upside down, particularly when the platform is closer to one end of the body member than the other.

Abstract: A portable traffic control unit comprising a wheeled trailer having a main frame attachable to a towing vehicle. A telescoping, vertical mast carries a pivotally mounted boom assembly. A first traffic control signal is secured to the vertical mast and a second at the end of the horizontal boom. A winch assembly can be actuated to raise the vertical mast and upon the vertical mast reaching its full extension, causing the boom to pivot to a generally horizontal position. In the erected position, the device provides a street side signal and an over-the-road traffic control signal for safety and visibility.

Abstract: A system designed to reduce cantilever beam deflections is disclosed. Beam deflection is reduced by neutralizing the force causing such deflection. The neutralizing force is achieved by employing a second cantilever beam parallel with the first and connecting the distal ends of the two beams through an active positioning system. In operation, a force applied to the end of the reference beam, in any direction perpendicular to the length of the beam, is in effect, automatically transferred to the second beam. Thus the second beam bends by an amount proportional to the magnitude of the force, while the reference beams remains in the original position. The end result is a beam whose distal end is located in a unique position relative to the proximal end regardless of any disturbance forces acting upon it.

Abstract: A tool for picking up and releasing washers which uses a retractable rod member that is insertable into the washer and directs jets of pressurized air alternately onto the bottom surface of the washer to cause the latter to be picked up and onto the top surface of the washer to cause the latter to be released.

Abstract: In a truck mounted overcenter aerial device having an articulating boom assembly, a mechanism for articulating the upper boom relative to the lower boom. A star wheel on the upper boom is acted upon by a pair of linkages powered by hydraulic cylinders mounted on the lower boom. The linkages are pinned at their outer ends to the star wheel so that the upper boom is pivoted in opposite directions when the cylinders are extended and retracted. Each linkage includes pivotally connected links which fold up on the star wheel against stop surfaces as the linkage is extended. The stop surfaces are arranged to control the angular speed of the upper boom and the torque applied to it by the linkages as desired during each angular segment of articulation. The hydraulic control circuit for the cylinders includes counterbalance holding valves which maintain both linkages under tension at all times to avoid any slack or jerkiness when the boom goes overcenter.

Abstract: A modular, multi-configuration robotics system having basic interchangeable component parts including a base (10), turret (110), rails (20), mounting blocks (30), motors (80), arm links (60) as the primary components and also including bearings (180), pillow blocks (170), gears (176, 178), various shafts, pulley, belts, electronic controller and optical encoders (184) as additional essential component parts. The system is intended as a tutorial device in the field of educational robotics.

Abstract: A lifting device for cradle supported goods includes cradle engaging lifting arms pivoted to a wheeled chassis. A lever element located between one of the lift arms and the chassis is positioned by a winch and cable to raise the lift arms. An emergency stop block is provided in the event of cable breakage.

Abstract: A tilting platform lift device for wheelchairs is disclosed. The device (10) securely holds a wheelchair (14) and tilts the wheelchair (14) backward up to 90 degrees to shampoo the hair of the person (12) in the wheelchair (14). The device comprises a tilting platform floor (18) with attached frame (70), a motordriven hydraulic system (24) which includes double-acting hydraulic cylinder (34), four-way control valve (45), electric motor (50), hydraulic pump (48) and hydraulic reservior (52). System (24) is enclosed in case (26) which also acts as a base for platform floor (18). In operation, a person (12) in wheelchair (14) rolls backward up ramp (16) and is secured to platform floor (18) by chains (22), which attach to the arms of wheelchair (14), and chains (23), which attach to the lower frame of wheelchair (14). Platform floor (18) may be tilted forward and backward by operating lever ( 56).

Abstract: An erection hinge for use in erecting columns for open air structures utilizes a mounting plate which removably attaches to the foundation of such structures and which supports an offset hinge. The offset hinge carries a cradle which supports a column to be erected. A gin pole and rigging attached to the cradle or column translates simple linear force into a pivotal motion of the column and cradle on the hinge to position the column on its foundations.

Abstract: A robot joint includes an electric drive motor and step-down transmission ranged in a tubular inner part. The output of the step-down transmission is coupled to a tubular outer part coaxially surrounding the inner part. The outer part is guided on the inner part by bearings. The joint can be disassembled axially after screw connections holding the tubular parts together are loosened.

Abstract: A self relocating manipulator assembly which is movable so as to be secured to any one of a number of fixtures which are spaced from one another on a support structure. The manipulator assembly comprises, a boom which has first and second end effectors each adapted to releasably secured to any one of the fixtures. First and second articulators are provided which serve to mount the first and second end effectors at first and second ends of the boom respectively. The first and second articulators provide a sufficient degree of movement between the end effectors and the boom to allow one end effector to be moved toward and away from one of said fixtures while the other end effector remains mounted on one of said fixtures. A power transmission system is associated with each articulator for articulating the boom with respect to either end effector whereby the manipulator assembly may relocate itself by sequentially securing and releasing one of the end effectors and then the other with respect to said fixtures.

Abstract: The wheeled frame remaining after removal of the detachable cargo container, is gripped by clamping mechanism of a carrying unit mounted on a tractor or lift truck, then elevated above the ground and pivoted from its normal horizontal disposition to vertical position, and then transported to a multiple storage unit where it is deposited and retained in the vertical position removably in one of a plurality of compartments making up the storage unit. A plurality of such wheeled frames may be stored in this manner by deposit in successive ones of the compartments, and they are removed from the compartment in the reverse order of deposit.

Abstract: An attachment for a conventional ladder comprises first and second mounting arms, support arms and leg members arranged to present a cradle for receiving at least one bundle of shingles therein. Subsequent to insertion of the shingles into the cradle, the ladder is rotated about a pivot bar so as to swing the ladder and shingle-laden cradle between ground-adjacent and roof-adjacent positions. Upon reaching the latter position, a roof-adjacent worker removes the shingles from the cradle and the ladder is subsequently swung to a ground-adjacent, shingle loading positioning for subsequent loading of another bundle of shingles thereon. The process is repeated until the desired quantity of shingle bundles are loaded on the roof for subsequent installation thereon.

Abstract: A multiarticulated manipulator including a multijoint connecting mechanism having a plurality of arms, each arm having a joint capable of being bent in one plane and all the arms being connected with one another in positions spaced apart from one another by circumferential extent of 90 degrees. A plurality of wires are provided, each wire being connected to one of the arms and all the wires being supported and guided by wire guides and driven by a drive. The multiarticulated manipulator incorporated in a movable type remoted-controlled visual monitor system further includes a lens fixed to a forward end of the multijoint connecting mechanism, a fiberscope connected to the lens, and a movable member having the drive mounted therein and supporting the multijoint connecting mechanism, and a camera mounted in the movable member and connected to the lens through the fiberscope.

Abstract: An excavating vehicle according to the present invention comprises an excavating apparatus rotated by a hydraulic actuator, said excavating apparatus being stopped automatically and smoothly at predetermined positions with a simple operation.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for locking the wrist links of a teaching robot and a work robot such that the wrist links of the work robot occupy the same relative positions with respect to each other as the wrist links of the teaching robot, thereby enabling the magnitude of the outputs of the corresponding wrist link position transducers of the work robot wrist and the teaching robot wrist to be equalized and the robot wrists calibrated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gently holding, lifting and rotating a drum which may contain hazardous waste and may be likely to rupture, characterized in that an open-ended overpack is lowered around the drum and held fixed in relation to the floor while a platform slides beneath the overpack and drum, the overpack then being clamped by a lid against the platform and then elevated and rotated so that the drum therewithin is disposed in an upside-down position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cable support which can assure smooth operation of an industrial robot. The cable support is substantially characterized by having a movable support on one end of an operating arm and an auxiliary support on the wrist-side end of the arm respectively, wherein the movable support consists of a first rotary shaft rotatably mounted on the operating arm, a slanted resilient support arm having the proximal end thereof rotatably mounted on the first rotary shaft, and a cable holder tiltably mounted on a second rotary shaft mounted on the slanted resilient support arm and the auxiliary support consists of a third rotary shaft mounted on the operating arm and a cable clamp rotatably mounted on the second rotary shaft.

Abstract: A portable combined engine-handling and metalworking machine having a base with wheels and casters, a vertical post or mast extending from the base to support a boom to form a hydraulically activated crane or hoist, an engine stand to support a motor or like object, and a hydraulic press and press assembly, which is formed from parts that are interchangeable with parts from the hydraulically activated crane.

Abstract: A mobile yard crane for handling containers or the like is disclosed, said crane includes at least two lifting jibs that act along vertical planes fixedly parallel to one another. The crane jibs are connected with one another, preferably by way of a hydraulic circuit, in order to ensure congruence and synchronism of their movements. The heads of the crane jibs are fitted with attaching devices for firmly retaining a container engaging apparatus or spreader at least at two locations thereof.

Abstract: A raking apparatus comprises a guide track, a carriage supported on the guide track for displacement thereon along a traveling path, a linkage assembly supported on the carriage and comprising a plurality of linkage levers articulated to one another by respective joints, and a rake supported on the carriage and operatively connected to the linkage assembly for varying angular positions of the rake by the linkage assembly upon pivotal motion of the levers with respect to one another. There is further provided a slide track receiving one of the joints for guiding it upon pivotal motion of the levers and a locking mechanism mounted on the carriage and cooperating with the linkage assembly. The locking mechanism has a released position permitting a pivotal motion of the levers and a locking position immobilizing the levers of the linkage assembly with respect to one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting, locating and transferring plate-like or disc-shaped workpieces between several stations or between several machines where each of two plane parallel surfaces of each workpiece is subjected to one or more treatments has at least two partially overlapping plate chucks. A workpiece which is introduced by one chuck into the space where the two chucks overlap is released by the one chuck and is then attracted by the other chuck so that the previously exposed surface of the workpiece becomes concealed and vice versa. The chucks can transport workpieces between successive stations of a series of stations where the surfaces of the workpieces can be subjected to a coarse and thereupon to a precision or final treatment such as grinding and polishing, lapping or honing. If the chucks are installed in a separate frame, they can be rotated through 180.degree. about an axis which is parallel to their work-contacting surfaces so that a workpiece between such chucks is inverted, i.e.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cable support which can assure smooth operation of an industrial robot. The cable support is substantially characterized by having a movable support on one end of an operating arm and an auxiliary support on the wrist-side end of the arm respectively, wherein the movable support consists of a first rotary shaft rotatably mounted on the operating arm and a cable holder tiltably mounted on the first rotary shaft and the auxiliary support consists of a second rotary shaft mounted on the operating arm and a cable clamp rotatably mounted on the second rotary shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to the hoist means employing the principle of the scissor action between a pair of the structural frames pivotably coupled to one another.

Abstract: Stacks of generally dish-shaped, nested plastic articles are gripped and transferred from elevated, horizontally adjacent chutes comprising circumferentially disposed, axially extending supports, which are open at both ends to permit articles to be both fed thereto and removed axially therefrom, to a conveyor disposed at a lower level. A transfer arm, mounting stack gripping receivers, which pivot on the transfer arm, is swung in an arcuate path and the receivers are moved relative to the transfer arm, responsive to swinging movement of the transfer arm, such that the receivers travel from a first position, horizontally axially aligned with said chutes and axially intermeshed with the supports, in a path having a first axially linear increment, then a downward arc to rotate said stacks substantially 90.degree., and finally a vertically linear path to deposit the stacks on the conveyor.

Abstract: A wire transfer mechanism for transporting a length of wire conductor from a feed location to a terminating location and then depositing the length of wire at a collection location is disclosed. The mechanism includes at least one transfer arm mounted for pivotable motion back and forth; a releasable gripper mechanism positioned at the end of each transfer arm for gripping a length of wire to inhibit relative motion in a direction normal to the axis of the wire, and an actuator mechanism for releasing the gripper mechanism while the transfer arms move from a wire terminating position to a wire pickup position at a finite velocity and for decelerating the transfer arms, so that the momentum of a wire gripped in the gripper mechanism will carry it away from the transfer arms in a direction normal to the axis of the wire.

Abstract: A device is described for determining the weight of objects being moved or loaded either individually or cumulatively. The device of the invention is particularly adapted for use with loaders such as the knuckle boom loader used for moving logs, poles and beams. An advantage of the invention is that it can be employed in conjunction with current models of loaders without requiring extensive modification of the loader device and can quickly and easily be removed when not needed. In one embodiment of the invention, heel means are provided for assisting in the moving and simultaneous weighing of large irregularly shaped objects such as logs and poles.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing newspapers from a container in a newspaper live storage buffer having an indexing unit for moving the containers individually from the buffer's conveying device to an unloading position. In the unloading position a pneumatically controlled paddle is raised to engage the newspapers within the container and at approximately the same time a gate forming the bottom of the container is unlatched to permit it to swing to an open position. The paddle is then lowered and is effective in guiding the newspapers into an arcuated channel from which they are delivered for further processing downstream of the buffer.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a flexible service line between a base structure and an object body mounted to the base structure for movement about lateral and elevation gimbal axes includes lateral and elevation drums fixedly mounted to the body and base structure, respectively, and an arm interconnecting the drums. A spiral groove is defined in the periphery of each drum for receiving looped portions of the flexible line therein. The arm supports a portion of the line extending between its looped portions. Also, the arm is rotatably mounted at its opposite ends to the drums for accommodating relative movement between the body and base structure about the respective gimbal axes. The looped portions of the flexible lines are confined in the grooves on the drums and may expand and contract therein as the body moves relative to the base structure about the gimbal axes.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus of the pick-and-place type having an elongated reach and including an intermittent motion drive mechanism having an output crank arm operable to stop at selected locations. A pivot plate assembly is rotatably journalled to the intermittent motion drive mechanism about the output thereof and capable of being drivably oscillated thereabout. A linkage slide assembly is carried by the pivot plate and comprises slide rods which are pivotally connected to the output crank arm of the intermittent motion drive mechanism for transmitting rotational oscillation into linear sliding movement. A cam member driven by the input of the intermittent motion drive mechanism and engages cam followers carried by the pivot plate assembly. Rotation of the cam member drivably oscillates the pivot plate thereby providing rotatable oscillation to the linearly reciprocating slide rods.

Abstract: An industrial robot having an arm formed as a hollow joint-free tube which is oval in cross section and made from a material that will provide structural rigidity to enable the arm to support a work tool and provide controlled bending thereof when the hollow interior of the tube is subjected to a variation in pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting logs from ground level to a bed of a log splitting machine including at least two arms forming a loading rack for the logs and a pivotally mounted lifting arm assembly which is selectively engaged and operated by rearward motion of a slideably mounted sled which is a part of the log splitting machine. The loading rack may be actuated by lifting a catch pin into contact with a pin on the sled of the splitting machine or it may be disengaged at operator's selection.

Abstract: In mining operations, a number of mining machines will have flexible cable attached thereto which then drag along behind the machine as it operates. When the machine moves in a backward direction, the machine often times will run over and damage the cable. In the past, the cable has been moved manually to prevent damage. The disclosed invention provides an automatic device which will lift a predetermined length of cable above the groun so that the cable will not be cut as the machine moves backward a given distance.

Abstract: A parallelogram arm assembly having a vertical arm for suspending a load at lower end thereof and a pair of horizontal arms one of which is guided in a horizontal path is provided. The other horizontal arm is guided in a vertical path. The paths are defined in a supporting structure which is mounted rotatably on a standard or the like. Apparatus, such as a piston/cylinder actuator is provided for maintaining in cooperation with the parallelogram a floating balanced state of the arm assembly independently of the loaded or no-load state.

Abstract: Tractor front loaders have sometimes been provided with struts enabling them to be locked in raised position. These struts have had to be moved bodily between operative and inoperative positions. To avoid the need for bodily movement, the struts are made telescopic and are pivotable on loader support frames fixed to opposite sides of the tractor. Loader booms, and the rams of ram-and-cylinder assemblies for pivoting the booms, are pivotable on the support frames in known manner. The struts comprise inner and outer channel sections and are pivotable between retracted inoperative positions in which they are secured to the support frames and extended operative positions in which they are secured in contact with the adjacent ends of the cylinders of the extended assemblies.

Abstract: An automatic robot structure includes a fixed location support 10 which carries three locational arms 12, 14, 16, being hingedly connected to each other at their location of convergence to support a workhead 20, the driving motors 12a, 14a, and 16a each being independently operable to drive its respective arm in an axial direction, each of the arms being rigid in the sense that no part of the arm is hingedly connected to another part, so that the forces derived from a payload weight subject the arms primarily only to compression and or tension.

Abstract: A boat hoist including a novel level lift suspension system which results in even application of forces to points on the moveable platform remote from the point of attachment of the lifting device, thus eliminating twisting of the loaded platform.

Abstract: A truck vehicle carried boom system for lifting, transporting, and depositing a load of particulate material such as powder, granules or seeds into storage bins in material dispensing aircraft, including a telescoping boom structure pivotally mounted on support structure which in turn is rigidly secured to the vehicle frame. The boom includes provision for removable carrying a hopper form of load bag. An extensible piston-cylinder hydraulic motor is utilized to obtain various pivotal positions of the boom. The boom telescope disposition is maintained by a mechanical safety pin. The boom is extended and retracted by inertial forces generated by vehicle manipulation. As an auxiliary device a boom safety bar, hydraulically operated is secured to a side portion of the truck bumper structure to provide a safety block when the boom is in the aircraft loading position.

Abstract: A heavy duty structure that forms a mobile loading system is shown that is comprised of a ramp means, a dump means and crawler undercarriage for use in loading trucks by making use of bulldozers. The crawler undercarriage supports the carrier or platform which provides the base for the superstructure, power units and hydraulic systems. The system's power unit supplies the source of power to move the crawlers so the structure may be moved to any locality on the job-site. The system's power unit also supplies power to the hydraulic systems provided to raise and lower the ramp and dump means. The carrier supports a mast means which supports the ramp means and dump means. The ramp means provides a bridge or lifting means onto which a pair of bulldozers may be alternatively driven to move the overburden to the dump means.

Abstract: An inverted U-shaped boom is pivotally mounted adjacent the trailing end of a pickup truck bed so as to be movable between a rest position lying entirely within the confines of the truck bed and an operative position inclining upwardly and rearwardly so as to partially overhang the trailing end of the truck bed. A pair of hydraulic cylinders interconnect the boom with stanchions on which the boom is pivotally mounted and are operative to move the boom between the rest and operative positions. A winch is disposed along an upper portion of the boom and includes means for attachment to an article which is to be moved into or out of the truck bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding articles to a work station, for example for feeding electrical terminals to a work station between the co-operating dies of a crimping machine, has a first shaft driven by a main shaft coupled through a clutch to a motor and a second shaft is arranged to be driven by the first shaft in an oscillatory motion having a forward motion and a return motion. A cam is fixed to the first shaft and a cam arm having a cam follower is secured to the second shaft. The second shaft has abutment element which engage against an adjustable stop to limit the extent of return motion of the second shaft, the adjustable stop being readily accessible for manual adjustment. A driven arm is connected to the second shaft for moving a feed device to the work station and the angular position of the driven arm relative to the second shaft is adjustable whereby the forward limit of motion of the feed device can be controlled.

Abstract: A rock box which mounts in front of a farm tractor and is suitable for loading, transporting and dumping rocks. The rock box can be lowered, tilted and raised by a single hydraulic cylinder and can be operated from the operator's seat of the farm tractor. Levers are provided to apply hydraulic cylinder action directly to raise or lower the rock box of this invention to the ground level. A chain is provided to transpose linear action of said cylinder into tilt or rotary action for unloading the contents of said rock box. Control connections are provided to control the rock box movements from inside the tractor cab.

Abstract: A combination of two pins and two lock rings are used to restrain the motion of a vehicle based boom having the ability to rotate in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Each lock ring is a plate like structure having a hole to receive the corresponding pin. One plate is attached to the boom; the corresponding pin is attached to the boom support. The second plate is attached to the vehicle body; the corresponding pin is attached to the boom support. A single control lever is provided so that the boom operator may actuate the lock rings and unlock each one in sequence.

Abstract: A material handling implement includes a frame member with coupling members for connecting a first end of the frame to a prime mover, such as by way of a standard three-point connection on a tractor. Pivotally mounted on the other end of the frame is a yoke, such that the arms of the yoke extend laterally to each side of the frame. A hook is secured to each arm on one face of the yoke for use in transporting other implements, for example a round hay bale feeder. An elongated spear is mounted on another face of the yoke for spearing and transporting materials, such as round hay bales. Hydraulic piston and cylinder means are provided for pivoting the yoke to alternately position the hooks and the spear for use.

Abstract: An implement transporter including a trailer carried by two wheels or a pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels on axes of rotation with a lifting mechanism for lifting an implement carried by the trailer. One end of the arm is pivotally connected to the trailer at one side at the rear of the trailer. The lifting mechanism holds the implement with its center of gravity spaced from the pivot in a direction towards the opposite end of the arm. The arm is pivotable from a lifting position to a transport position. In the transport position, the center of gravity of the implement is located forwardly of the axes of the rear wheels. A hydraulic arm is pivotally attached at one end to the arm and pivotally attached at the other end to the trailer at a point rearwardly and inwardly from the arm pivot for selective rotation of the arm. The arm is located longitudinally substantially at said one side of the trailer when in the transport position.

Abstract: A self dumping refuse container assembly comprises a support frame adapted to be attached to a secure supporting surface and a container mounted on the frame for pivotal movement in a vertical plane between a lower, normally upright position for receiving refuse material and an elevated, at least partially inverted position for discharging refuse into a refuse collecting vehicle or the like. The container includes at least one refuse material intake opening in which a feed chute is located. The container also includes a refuse material discharge opening. A lid member is connected to the container for pivotal movement between a closed position overlying the discharge opening and an open position under the influence of gravity as the container is moved between the lower and elevated positions. A motor is provided for moving the container between its lower and elevated positions.

Abstract: Metal slabs are cooled on a bed across which they are conveyed in a stepwise manner. The slabs are received on a number of first beams which move along a closed path having components in both a vertical and a horizontal direction. For part of the movement path of the first beams, the slabs are supported on second beams. The beams are themselves supported from below by pressure medium cylinders and have shoulders for supporting the slabs on edge. The stroke of the cylinders, producing the vertical movement of the firstbeam must be greater than the height of the shoulders.

Abstract: A boat hoist including a novel level lift suspension system which results in even application of forces to points on the moveable platform remote from the point of attachment of the lifting device, thus eliminating twisting of the loaded platform.