Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing conical yarn bobbins, particularly in relation to withdrawing them from a conveyor belt which receives and moves said conical bobbins after they have been doffed and discharged from the units of a bobbin producing textile machine, and depositing them in an ordered arrangement on a peg trolley.

Abstract: A filter feeder for automatically feeding filters one by one to casting molds traveling in a mold transfer line includes a rotatably arranged table and a plurality of cartridges vertically arranged on the table. Each of the cartridges accommodates a plurality of filters placed one upon another. A filter discharge mechanism is provided at a lower end of each cartridge to discharge a lowermost filter of the filters accommodated in the cartridge. The filter discharge mechanism includes a pair of shutter plates pivotally mounted on the lower end of the cartridge so that the lowermost filter may be discharged from the filter discharge mechanism when the shutter plates are opened. The filter feeder is further provided with a receiving mechanism for receiving the filter discharged from the filter discharge mechanism at a first location below the cartridge.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus of the type which can be connected to a vehicle having a hydraulic system is disclosed comprising a base, a telescope arm support pivotably attached to the base in a manner to allow 360.degree. rotation of the telescoping arm support, and a telescope arm pivotably attached at one end to the telescope arm support in a manner to allow vertical movement of an opposite end of the arm. A load gripping mechanism having at least two gripping plates is attached to the opposite end of the telescope arm. First hydraulic structure are attached to the gripping plates for moving the plates together to grasp an object and for moving the plates apart to release the object and attachment structure are provided for pivotably attaching the support plates to the telescope arm in a manner to permit pivotable movement of the plates in first and second vertical planes which intersect at right angles.

Abstract: The arm includes a supporting member and a plurality of telescoping members located therein and having a subsequently decreasing diameter. The supporting member and the telescoping members are interconnected by means of at least one kinematic train which is formed by endlessly guided pulling members. These pulling members, preferably steel belts, interconnect three respective adjoining telescoping members. The belts are mounted to the respective outer two telescoping members and guided for return at the upper and bottom area of the center member. When displacing the telescoping member having the largest diameter relative to the supporting member any further telescoping member is displaced relative to its outer adjoining member by a corresponding distance. This design leads to a rigid smoothly operating telescoping arm having a small structural height.

Abstract: A cross-country vehicle includes a mobile chassis and a superstructure carrying a driver's cab wherein the superstructure is mounted on the chassis for tilting movement about a horizontal axis and a transverse axis and wherein a hydraulic cylinder on each side of the longitudinal axis acts between the chassis and the superstructure to tilt the superstructure about either or both axes in order to position the superstructure horizontally as the vehicle moves over rough ground.

Abstract: A direction controlling mechanism for an extendible boom forklift or the like controls the direction of movement of a predetermined point, such as a fork section connected to the distal end of the boom sections, relative to the forklift frame during retraction or extension of the boom members. The direction controlling mechanism is disposed between the proximal end of the boom sections and the main frame section of the forklift. The direction controlling mechanism includes an extendible member disposed between an upper shaft provided on the boom sections and a lower shaft provided on the vehicle frame. The length of the extendible member can be fixed during retraction or extension of the booms, and a driving mechanism moves the fixed length extendible member along the upper and lower shafts.

Abstract: A forklift truck having a fork assembly connected to a telescopic auxiliary boom articulated to a telescopic main boom. The telescopic and articulating features of the auxiliary boom in conjunction with the telescopic feature of the main boom increases the range and reach of the fork assembly to above ground heights and to below ground depths.

Abstract: An aircraft ground handling tractor (1) includes a manoeuverable boom (6) mounted on it. The free end of the manoeuverable boom (6) includes a connector (18) capable of being connected to an aircraft nosewheel assembly so that the tractor (1) can be connected to the nosewheel assembly through the boom (6) to enable it to pull or push the aircraft. The manoeuverable boom (6) is retractable completely within the outer limits of the tractor (1) so that, when the tractor (1) is not pulling an aircraft the manoeuverable boom (6) is wholly retracted so that it is protected from damage. Preferably the tractor (1) includes a longitudinal tunnel (7), and the manoeuverable boom (6) is received within this tunnel (7) in its retracted position. Preferably the movement functions of the boom (6) are all powered and all controlled from a driving cab (2) of the ground handling tractor (1), and the tractor (1) includes a separate, hand held control unit which enables them to be controlled remotely from the driving cab.

Abstract: A new lugger truck employs a moveable load carrying platform in place of the standard fixed platform, the container being loaded on to the platform while it is in a rear position, which is then moved to a forward position, allowing the load carried by the truck to be positioned more forward of the rear axles, distributing the load proportionately between the front and rear axles to increase stability and load carrying capacity. The platform can be mounted on a standard truck chassis with a mimimum of modification and allows the use of a standard lugger mechanism with fixed-length arms, thereby decreasing cost and complexity and also permitting government regulations to be met with regard to maximum height of the truck. The platform is supported for its forward/rearward movement by longitudinal bearing surfaces mounted on both the platform and the truck chassis, the platform being moved by a hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: Machines having a boom or arm pivotally disposed thereon wherein the length of the boom or arm and the angle thereof with respect to a reference plane are adjustable by means of actuators are well known. However, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to simultaneously control the actuators in a coordinated fashion to move the end of the boom or arm in a straight line path. In order to overcome this problem, a boom control system for a boom according to the present invention controls the actuators in either of two modes of operation, the first mode of operation comprising independent control over each actuator to afford polar coordinate operation and the second mode of operation comprising synchronized control over the actuators so that the end of the member may be moved in a straight line. Means are provided for manually selecting one of the two modes of operation. Means may be provided for calculating the amount of remaining horizontal throw of the boom or arm when a command to move same is issued.

Abstract: A covering for a mechanical linkage comprises a material which is substantially impermeable to both liquid and particle contaminants and conforms to the outer surface of the mechanical linkage. Because the covering conforms to the surface of the mechanical linkage, the covering does not have loose portions that billow and rub together as the mechanical linkage operates. This lessens the possibility of pieces of the covering and contaminating material detaching and falling from the mechanical linkage. The covering also comprises access openings whereby the mechanical linkage can be serviced without removing the entire covering. In a preferred embodiment, the covering comprises a plurality of sections, each section having fasteners for securing the sections about the mechanical linkage. The separate sections can be individually removed and replaced in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A forest machine with a crane comprises a driver's cab (2) which is mounted on a wheeled chassis (1) and behind which a load carrier (3) is placed, and a crane post (10) mounted in association with the cab and rotatable relative to the chassis and carrying an outer boom (11) having a telescopic boom (16) which is arranged at its free end to carry a working tool (21). The crane post (10) comprises two suitably inclined, spaced-apart support arms (12) between which extends a pivot shaft (13) on which the outer boom is mounted in a position between the support arms. The pivot shaft (13) is located at a distance from the center of rotation of the post (10) exceeding half the distance between a pair of wheels carrying the chassis of the machine. The outer boom is movable through at least 90.degree. between a horizontal and a vertical position, more precisely by means of a hydraulic cylinder (19).

Abstract: An automatic loading system includes an automatic loading apparatus for automatically loading, onto a pallet, a glass sheet product as it lies substantially horizontally and is delivered along a feed path to a terminal position of the feed path. The automatic loading apparatus has a suction mechanism for attracting the lower surface of the glass sheet product at the terminal position and for moving the glass sheet product to a loading position to load the glass sheet product onto the pallet. The automatic loading system also includes an apparatus for putting an interleaving sheet on an upper surface of the glass sheet product in the feed path. The interleaving sheet putting apparatus comprises a mechanism for moving an uppermost interleaving sheet of a stack of interleaving sheets over the glass sheet product, and a holder mechanism for holding the uppermost interleaving sheet against an upper surface of the glass sheet product.

Abstract: A parallel translation mechanism, when connected between a first element and a second element, maintains the relative direction between the two elements constant when one of those elements is moved relative to the other. The mechanism is in part formed by first and second rigid elongated members which are pivotally connected together and are pivotally connected by the end of the first elongated member to one of the elements. A first portion of an extendable member is connected between the one of the elements and the second elongated member, and a second portion is connected between the other element and the second elongated member. The other element is also pivotally connected to a position on the second elongated member. The three members of the mechanism are connected together in such a fashion that the described relative movement between the two elements is obtained. The mechanism has particular application to forklift vehicles.

Abstract: An earthmoving attachment to be mounted on the front end of a tractor. The attachment includes a frame secured to the tractor, arms pivoted to the frame and extending forwardly and mounting a combination bucket and blade. Hydraulic cylinders individually extend telescoping sections in the arms to effect a skewing of the blade. Another hydraulic cylinder mounting a slider adjacent one end of the blade is operable to tilt the blade or bucket. Other sets of hydraulic cylinders tip the bucket and lift the arms conventionally. Simple adjustments are operable to convert the attachment from the configuration of a front-end-loader to that of a dozer, and to skew, tilt and tip the blade and bucket in various configurations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for transferring objects from a gripping station to a depositing station, and is particularly applicable to the loading or unloading of panes of glass. The device includes at least one arm mounted perpendicularly to a shaft which drives it in rotation, with the arm being adapted to slide perpendicularly relative to the shaft. Gripping devices such as suction cups are mounted at each end of the arm, and a motor and indexer are provided for automatically controlling the rotation of the shaft, the sliding and locking of the arm, and the maneuvering of the gripping devices.

Abstract: An assembly capable of being fitted to a loader which is provided with an attachment device intended, for example, for co-operation with respective one ends of two lifting arms whose respective other ends are intended to support suitable load-handling devices, such as forks, buckets etc., and lifting-ram attachments intended, for example, to co-operate with respective first ends of two lifting rams whose respective other ends are capable of co-operating with the lifting arms. The assembly is provided at the central region thereof with a device for co-operating with the attachment device, and is provided in the upper part thereof with a pivotal attachment for pivotal co-operation with a part of a load-handling arrangement. The lower part of the assembly is arranged to extend towards the front wheels of the loader, and the lower part of the assembly is firmly connected to the lifting-ram attachments originally found on the loader.

Abstract: A remotely installed, operated and removed manipulator for steam generator includes a mast, an articulating arm attached to the mast, capable of operating in the bottom or top head of a once through steam generator or the head of a recirculating steam generator. Each embodiment can be remotely installed and removed. The manipulator provides precise access to tubes and can sustain substantial loads, so the apparatus can perform much of the tube work that must be performed inside a steam generator.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle maneuverable in an underground mine includes an elongated body having a forward end portion with a boom assembly mounted thereon. The boom assembly includes a pair of boom members that are telescopically arranged to vary the overall length of the boom. A material handling device is secured to the end portion of the boom assembly and is operable to perform various material handling operations in the mine. A support arrangement secures the boom assembly to the front of the vehicle. A pair of double acting piston cylinder assemblies are mounted on the mobile body and are connected to the support arrangement for laterally swinging the boom assembly relative to the elongated body. The boom assembly is also connected to the support arrangement for upward and downward pivotal movement independently of the lateral swinging movement by operation of a pair of pivoting cylinders.

Abstract: Machines having a boom or arm pivotally disposed thereon wherein the length of the boom or arm and the angle thereof with respect to a reference plane are adjustable by means of actuators are well known. However, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to simultaneously control the actuators in a coordinated fashion to move the end of the boom or arm in a straight line path. In order to overcome this problem, a boom control system for a boom according to the present invention controls the actuators in either of two modes of operation, the first mode of operation comprising independent control over each actuator to afford polar coordinate operation and the second mode of operation comprising synchronized control over the actuators so that the end of the member may be moved in a straight line. Means are provided for manually selecting one of the two modes of operation. Means may be provided for calculating the amount of remaining horizontal throw of the boom or arm when a command to move same is issued.

Abstract: A servicing machine for a steam generator is accurately set up in the generator channel head with a pivoted arm mounted for rotation in a plane parallel to the tubesheet. The angular position of the arm, the longitudinal position of a carriage mounted on the arm and the vertical position of a platform on the carriage are remotely controlled to maneuver a probe used in mapping the precise location of the thousands of holes in the tubesheet. Various operations are then performed at each precise hole location by tools carried by the arm mounted carriage to prepare for installation of new tubing. The operation of a pair of remotely controlled pivoted arms, one on each side of the channel head divider plate, is coordinated to automatically position the ends of U-shaped tubes in corresponding holes in the tubesheet on opposite sides of the divider plate and to secure the same in place.

Abstract: A wire handling system removes a reel of wire from a conveyor, presents the reel to a terminal insertion head which grasps a wire on the reel, withdraws the wire from the reel while the reel is allowed to rotate, and inserts an end of the wire into a connector. After insertion of the wire end into the connector, the reel is moved by the handling system and stacked upon or within a group of previously stacked reels.

Abstract: The elevator device for an agricultural tractor loader comprises a swing member bearing in an articulated manner on a member protruding from a bracket in direction of the tractor loader. The swing member is moreover supported and actuated by a cylinder connected to the bracket so that this swing member pivots the tool to which it is attached and lifts the tool during expansion of the cylinder.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for clamping an object to a structural member. The clamping mechanism is particularly adapted for clamping a wheelchair wheel to a loading rack of a wheelchair loader. The clamping mechanism comprises a mounting bracket used for attachment to the structure, such as the wheelchair loading rack, and has a pivot pin fixedly attached thereto. Pivotally mounted with respect to the pivot pin is a handle assembly including a hollow handle with a spring biased actuation plate positioned therein. An actuation button is attached to the plate. The pivot pin extends through a transverse hole in the handle and has a key portion which lockably engages a keyway in the actuation plate. By depressing the actuation button, the keyway in the plate is moved with respect to the key on the pivot pin to an unlocked position so that the handle assembly may be pivoted.

Abstract: A load-handling apparatus usable for mounting missiles on an aircraft comprises a low wheeled support frame provided with braking and steering facilities, a pair of separate, side-by-side cranked support arms pivoted at one end on the support frame and hydraulically linked for synchronized vertical movement relative to the support frame about a horizontal axis, and load engaging structure at the other end of each support arm. Each cranked support arm is double cranked, so that, in a side elevation, it has a stretched, flat-bottomed V-configuration and the arms are movable about a common horizontal pivot axis on the support frame by an hydraulic actuator, whereby the hydraulic fluid serves to couple the support arms together for synchronized movements. The hydraulic actuator includes a master hydraulic cylinder connecting the support frame and one support arm and a sleeve hydraulic cylinder connecting the support frame and the other support arm.

Abstract: A support vehicle particularly for use with aircraft wherein the vehicle, in a non-operative mode is maintained at low overall height and size for ease of transport and storage but includes an extendable main boom having attachment means at its free end enabling a plurality of different service facilities to be releasably secured thereto and a pivotable draw bar and hitch assembly enabling the hitch assembly to be operable at a plurality of different heights.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically transferring successive fresh bobbins from a magazine wherein the bobbins are stacked in horizontal planes to one of two reciprocable horizontal spindles which are carried by a pivotable holder has annular tongs with claws which are movable into engagement with the periphery of the topmost bobbin in the magazine, and a crank drive which changes the orientation of tongs during transport between the magazine and an unoccupied spindle so that a fresh bobbin which is engaged by the claws in the magazine is moved from its horizontal plane into a vertical plane and its core can receive the unoccupied spindle.

Abstract: An assembly of lift arms and mounting structure together with simultaneously functioning stabilizers provides improved material handling apparatus for application to small, relatively lightweight vehicles. This apparatus comprises structure for giving the load engaging portions of the lift arms an extended outreach capability, as and when required. The outreach capability in one embodiment is achieved utilizing a traveling base for the lift arms and in another the lift arms comprise telescoping parts. In either case the base for the lift arms may have directly connected stabilizers which preserve balance of the lift arms and the underlying vehicle. The apparatus disclosed features a particularly useful and rugged lift arm assembly having general utility in the material handling art.

Abstract: Machines having a boom or arm pivotally disposed thereon wherein the length of the boom or arm and the angle thereof with respect to a reference plane are adjustable by means of actuators are well known. However, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to simultaneously control the actuators in a coordinated fashion to move the end of the boom or arm in a straight line path. In order to overcome this problem, a boom control system for a boom according to the present invention controls the actuators in either of two modes of operation, the first mode of operation comprising independent control over each actuator to afford polar coordinate operation and the second mode of operation comprising synchronized control over the actuators so that the end of the member may be moved in a straight line. Means are provided for manually selecting one of the two modes of operation. Means may be provided for calculating the amount of remaining horizontal throw of the boom or arm when a command to move same is issued.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable arm is constituted by a plurality of expandable and contractable units and connecting devices including universal joints for serially interconnecting the units into the arm. Each unit includes at least three expandable and contractable operating members in the form of link mechanisms or double thread type expandable and contractable rods, and actuating devices for equally or unequally expanding and contracting the operating members so as to increase or decrease distances between the connecting members while maintaining them in parallel or inclined with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method of crimping a locking cap secured to the nut of a new split-pin assembly to the new split-pin to preclude turning of the nut and pin relative to each other. The method is practiced with apparatus including a crimping mechanism including crimping jaws having crimping pins face-to-face near one end. The jaws have external cam surfaces. The crimping pins are retracted and brought into crimping engagement with the cap to be crimped by cam followers which traverse the cam surfaces when actuated hydraulically through a C-frame connected to the cam followers. The crimping mechanism is mounted on a support which is moveable by a hydraulic cylinder between a retracted setting, where it is latched generally vertically, and an operating setting where it is positioned generally horizontally.

Abstract: An extendible dipperstick for excavators and backhoes. The dipperstick includes a telescoping member mounted to a main housing. The telescoping member includes a telescoping housing and a plate attached to one surface, forming flanges with respect thereto. The telescoping member is slidably attached to the housing by means of clamping bars and roller bearings attached to the main housing, which contact the flanges and the exterior surface of the plate, respectively.

Abstract: A tool holder robot makes it possible to carry out various interventions within a closed enclosure having an access opening. It comprises a cylindrical ferrule fixed to the opening, a cylindrical shaft mounted in rotary manner in the ferrule, a guide rail fixed to the inner wall of the shaft, in which a first arm is slidingly mounted, a second arm pivotably mounted to the free end of the first arm and a tool holder carriage slidingly mounted on the second arm. The second arm is in two parts and can rotate about its longitudinal axis.Application to the inspection and maintainance, without human intervention, of water boxes of nuclear power station steam generators.

Abstract: A material handling machine including a power driven, steerable chassis which supports a vertical mast and a pivotally attached telescoping boom having a material carrier rack, including a device for securing material to the rack. The mast is supported on a base that is selectively movable in a transverse direction with respect to the chassis. The end of the telescoping boom carries a hydraulic orbiting motor that provides for selective rotation of the rack in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. A pair of hydraulic cylinders, together with a universal joint, are attached to the rack and provide for pivoting or tilting of the rack about both the vertical and horizontal axes.

Abstract: Device for inspection and repair of tubes of a nuclear reactor steam generator in a tube bundle being disposed in a tube sheet and opening into at least one chamber having an opening formed therein, including a manipulator being insertible in the chamber through the opening and being lockable to the tube sheet for carrying remotely controlled and monitored inspection instruments and tools, the manipulator including a support leg being adjustable in length in the axial direction, a main arm being connected to and movable relative to the support leg, and an equipment carrier being connected to the main arm and movable relative to and together with the main arm, and a mounting rod being connectible to and detachable from the manipulator.

Abstract: A lift/tilt-bed trailer. Apparatus is described for either raising from or lowering to the ground a trailer bed in a single step while maintaining a substantially horizontal attitude relative thereto, or for tilting the trailer bed which is normally positioned parallel to the ground when the trailer is in its traveling mode for the purpose of loading or unloading the bed without substantial change in the orientation of the trailer "U"-frame in which the bed is located. Four pivotable tracks attached to the frame and corresponding roller wheels attached to the bed cooperate to achieve the desired motion. Since the trailer need not be detached from whatever device is used to move it about when it is to be loaded or unloaded, increased stability results with consequent reduction in risk to the operator.

Abstract: A crimping tool for crimping a locking cap secured to the nut of a new split-pin assembly to the new split-pin to preclude turning of the nut and pin relative to each other. The tool includes a crimping mechanism including crimping jaws having crimping pins face-to-face near one end. The jaws have external cam surfaces. The crimping pins are retracted and brought into crimping engagement with the cap to be crimped by cam followers which traverse the cam surfaces when actuated hydraulically through a C-frame connected to the cam followers. The crimping mechanism is mounted on a support which is moveable by a hydraulic cylinder between a retracted setting, where it is latched generally vertically, and an operating setting where it is positioned generally horizontally. The piston rod of the cylinder has a slotted extension. The slot is engaged by a pin which is connected to the support.

Abstract: A telescoping parts manipulator comprising a telescoping tubular arm which is extended and retracted by a cable from a cable drum, and a workpiece engaging assembly which pivots on a wrist swivel axis carried at the end of the telescoping arm which engages molded articles in a molding machine. The telescoping arm is mounted to a slide box which moves forward and backward to allow engagement with a molded article, clearance of the tie bars in the mold, and movement towards a work station such as a conveyor belt. The cable is a hollow nylon tube which provides vacuum from a vacuum source through the telescoping arm to suction cups at the end of the arm which engage the molded articles.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: A servicing machine for a steam generator is accurately set up in the generator channel head with a pivoted arm mounted for rotation in a plane parallel to the tubesheet. The angular position of the arm, the longitudinal position of a carriage mounted on the arm and the vertical position of a platform on the carriage are remotely controlled to maneuver a probe used in mapping the precise location of the thousands of holes in the tubesheet. Various operations are then performed at each precise hole location by tools carried by the arm mounted carriage to prepare for installation of new tubing. The operation of a pair of remotely controlled pivoted arms, one on each side of the channel head divider plate, is coordinated to automatically position the ends of U-shaped tubes in corresponding holes in the tubesheet on opposite sides of the divider plate and to secure the same in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle. When in a stored position, the apparatus and wheelchair are fully contained within said vehicle. A first embodiment illustrates use of the apparatus in a rear compartment of a station wagon, van or similar vehicle in which a pair of motor-driven drive links and a pair of drag links are utilized to lift and rotate a chair rack and wheelchair mounted thereon into said vehicle rear compartment. The drive and drag links connect the rack to a carriage which may then be rolled from a rearwardmost to a forwardmost position for final storage of the apparatus and chair in the vehicle. Latching means is provided to latch the carriage in either its forwardmost or rearwardmost positions. A remote control switch and limit switches are used to control power to the electric motor. A second embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use in the trunk of a typical passenger automobile.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning mechanism (10, FIG. 1) includes a movable arm (12) having a plurality of joints (14). A pair of grippers (26 and 28) are movable toward and away from a semiconductor wafer boat (44). The grippers are held in position by a stop member (70, FIG. 4) when they engage the boat (44) and locked in an open position by prongs (86). A solenoid (30) is actuated to allow the grippers to move between their open and closed positions. Flexible bellows (22 and 94) and tubing (24) surround moving parts (e.g., 14, 62, 64, 66, 80) of the mechanism (10) to prevent contamination of the semiconductor wafers (52).

Abstract: A high lift truck with telescopic boom improves upon and widens the scope of performance offered by existing high lifts of the type. Its essential feature, basically, is that of providing a second telescopic boom (16) fixed immovably to the top end of the first raise-and-lower boom (4) which is likewise telescopic, and hinges at bottom with a mounting (7) on the truck chassis; the two booms thus associated creating an obtuse angle such that the second boom will project forward along the line of the truck axis when boom (4) aforesaid is fully raised.

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: A novel turnover device adapted to receive a workpiece at its inlet end and deliver the workpiece in a turned over state from its outlet end at a distance from the inlet end is disclosed herein, which comprises a main body frame, first and second carriers supported on the main body frame so as to be movable in the inlet-outlet direction, first and second arm holders rotatably supported by the first and second carriers, respectively, first and second arm rods slidably held by the first and second arm holders, respectively, first and second workpiece holders fixedly secured to one end of the first and second crank drive mechanisms associated with the first and second carriers, respectively, and adapted to rock the first and second rods, respectively, in the inlet-outlet direction when the carriers are moved in the inlet-outlet direction, and carrier drive means for driving the first and second carriers simultaneously in the opposite directions so that they may approach to each other and they may separate from e

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for carrying out repair, maintenance or testing of apparatus, components and the like in hot cells, more particularly hot cells of reprocessing plants for spent nuclear fuels. The position of damage zones is detected and ascertained with the use of coordinates. Replacement parts and tools are moved into the maintenance and work position in dependence upon the coordinate data, and the repair or maintenance work is automatically carried out under computer control, with remote operation and remote monitoring. For carrying out the work, computer-controlled handling machines and manipulators are used which are adapted to travel in controllable manner in the hot cell. The monitoring and detecting, using coordinates, of damage zones and defects may be carried out with the use of cameras and/or leak detectors.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in feeding physically incapacited persons comprising a spoon supported for orbital and rectilinear movement in a predetermined path, one or more receptacles, and kinematics selectively operable to move a selected receptacle into the path of movement of the spoon and for effecting orbital and rectilinear movement of the spoon from an at-rest position above the receptacle into the receptacle to pick up a quantity of food therefrom, remove it from the receptacle to a position to be received by the person and then return it to its at-rest position in readiness for a repeat cycle of operation.

Abstract: A manipulator control system uses a microprocessor to compute appropriate control parameters in order to maintain constant tangential velocity of a spray nozzle in relation to the inside surface of a spherical portion of a nuclear steam generator. The microprocessor also computes, in one of the three modes of operation, of the control system, appropriate control parameters for maintaining a predetermined distance between the nozzle and the center of the spherical enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical arm having four degrees of freedom (or possibilities of motion) and actuated by two electric motors, each motor of these alternately controls the movements corresponding to at least two degrees of freedom. The result is an arm having a mixed control for movement in series and in parallel in which the motions controlled by the same motor are carried out in different instants of time, whereas the motions controlled by different motors can be performed simultaneously.