Abstract: An tool adapted for attachment to a double pin mounting structure of the type that is commonly employed on excavator or backhoe type machines or vehicles. The tool is a bucket assembly with a grapple-like tine assembly mounted thereto and controlled by hydraulic actuators. The bucket assembly is mounted to a boom of a backhoe, for example, utilizing a single assembly composed of a hydraulic actuator and coupling members to attach to the double pin mounting structure on the tool. The bucket assembly is mounted on the boom to provide extended movement relative to the boom, and the grapple-like tine assembly is mounted to the bucket assembly for full closure and to enable near full opening relative to the bucket assembly. The tine assembly may be actuated by a pair of hydraulic actuators mounted adjacent one or both sides of the bucket assembly via a free floating bell crank for each pair of hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: A digger derrick truck for installing poles into the ground. The digger derrick truck includes a boom on which a pole guide assembly is slidably mounted. The pole guide assembly is operatively associated with a latching mechanism which releasably couples the pole guide assembly and the boom in an operative position and an inoperative position. The latching mechanism includes a latch arm and a release mechanism such that, when the boom is retracted, the release mechanism allows the latch arm to pivot and couple the pole guide assembly and the boom.

Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.

Abstract: A grapple positioning device is described for attachment to a grapple and boom, wherein the grapple is pivotably mounted to an end of the boom. The device includes an extensible ram mountable to the boom and extending to a pusher plate. A follower is mountable to the grapple, and the ram is operable to extend and move the pusher plate against the follower and thereby pivot the grapple away from the boom. The ram is also operable to retract to move the pusher plate in a direction toward the boom and away from the follower.

Abstract: A grapple assembly that is particularly suited for use as an attachment to a skid steer loader comprises jaws that are no wider than the wheels of the loader and are lightweight and rigid. The grapple is operated by a single hydraulic drive cylinder that is inexpensive and easily replaceable. The lower jaw is L-shaped and formed of spaced vertical ribs having a bar extending across the tips of the ribs. The upper jaw of the grapple also has vertically spaced ribs which are interconnected by a bar adjacent the tips of the ribs. An intermediate bar reinforces the upper jaw and provides an attachment point for the drive cylinder at the center thereof.

Abstract: The present application utilizes a lifting apparatus for lifting disk stacks, the lifting apparatus includes a structural member having a central guide bore and at least three connecting members operatively positioned about the outer periphery thereof; a central guide member, operatively positioned relative to the central guide bore of the structural member and operatively connected thereto; a ring member, operatively positioned on the central guide member, and having at least three connecting members operatively positioned thereon; at least three linking means, operatively connected to each of the structural member connecting members and to each of the ring member connecting members, for providing movement of the ring member relative to the structural member; and a gripping member, operatively connected to each of the linking members and to each of the structural member connecting members for interacting with at least one disk stack such that at least one disk stack is transported to another position.

Abstract: A method for avoiding scratching of wafer backs being held by a vacuum to a fetch arm of a stepper machine for insertion into a cassette holder includes releasing the vacuum in the suction head of the fetch are before the wafer enters the cassette holder. The release of vacuum reduces frictional force between the wafer back and the suction head when the wafer accidentally hits the side of the cassette holder. Therefore, the vacuum release method avoids scratching of wafer backs by the suction head of the fetch arm. The invention requires a separate vacuum release controller to release the vacuum in the suction head for a prescribed delaying period after the fetch arm starts moving toward the cassette holder.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a plasma processing apparatus for performing surface processing of a substrate by means of plasma discharge is provided comprising: a processing chambers 10R and 10L for performing surface processing of a substrate W; a load-lock chamber 11 which is arranged in between these processing chambers 10R and 10L; and transporting mechanisms which are capable of performing substrate transport between load-lock chamber 11 and processing chamber 10R, and between load-lock chamber 11 and processing chamber 10L; these transporting mechanisms are freely movable in a reciprocating manner in the direction in which processing chamber 10R, load-lock chamber 11, and processing chamber 10L are contiguously arranged; wherein, upper wing 20U and lower wing 20L, which are spaced apart in a vertical manner with respect to each other, are provided as the aforementioned transporting mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tractor tool that attaches to and detaches from a tractor frame easily. In one embodiment, as few as four bolts and two actuator control couplings are used to mount the inventive tool to a tractor. The inventive tractor attachment tool is capable of grasping and lifting a heavy or awkward object, moving it to a new location, and setting it down without the tractor operator leaving the tractor controls. The object may be simply or oddly shaped, and it may be moved to a location that requires it to be lifted over a barrier like a wall. Small trees, bushes, piles of vegetative matter, or fence posts can be pulled from the ground and moved to a rubble or debris bin for hauling. The tool is comprised of a metal frame having two jaw members that open and close in a scissor-like fashion. The jaw members are opened and closed by jaw actuators, controlled by the tractor operator sitting on the tractor.

Abstract: An attachment device for releasably attaching a grapple to the end of a boom. The device includes a grapple body which mounts main and linkage pins which releasably couple with double pin mounting structures of different sizes and configurations. Hydraulic actuators within the housings on either side of the grapple are operated to open and close the jaws of the grapple under influence of an hydraulic control circuit. Tapered lock bushings are provided to releasably mount the main pins within openings in side walls of the housings. Adapter blocks are provided for mounting the ends of the linkage pins to the housings walls. A fastening arrangement for securing the adapter block enables the linkage pin to be mounted at different separation distances from the main pin to accommodate different types of pin mounting systems that may be encountered on vehicles at different job sites.

Abstract: An attachment device for releasably attaching a grapple to the end of a boom. The device includes a grapple body which mounts main and linkage pins which releasably couple with double pin mounting structures of different sizes and configurations. Hydraulic actuators within the housings on either side of the grapple are operated to open and close the jaws of the grapple under influence of an hydraulic control circuit. Tapered lock bushings are provided to releasably mount the main pins within openings in side walls of the housings. Adapter blocks are provided for mounting the ends of the linkage pins to the housings walls. A fastening arrangement for securing the adapter block enables the linkage pin to be mounted at different separation distances from the main pin to accommodate different types of pin mounting systems that may be encountered on vehicles at different job sites.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which includes a method and apparatus for the removal of carton bundles from where they are stacked, such as on pallets, re-positions the carton bundles relative to a carton holding structure such as a hopper, removes the restraining strap(s) from each bundle and feeds the bundle or cartons onto a hopper.

Abstract: A grapple claw for attachment to a backhoe adapted to be interchangeable with a standard backhoe bucket. Grapple claw (10) includes a main frame member (50), a pivoting stop member (52) that engages the arm (30) and restricts the rotation of the frame (50) around the arm's distal end (35). Grapple claw (10) also includes at least a pair of opposing interlocking claws (54) and (56), respectively pivotally secured to the frame (50). In this regard, claw (54) pivots about fulcrum point (55) and claw (56) pivots about fulcrum point (57). A rotation imparting device (60) is pivotally connected between ram (45) and claws (54) and (56) for applying moments in opposite directions about fulcrum points (55) and (57) to effect the opening and closing of claws (54) and (56). Thus the opening and closing of claws (54) and (56) is accomplished by a single hydraulic ram is accomplished and the necessity for an auxiliary hydraulic circuit and associated ram is alleviated.

Abstract: A micromanipulator comprises an upper parallel linkage connecting a base member and an opposed middle plate by links, a lower parallel linkage connecting the middle plate and an opposed base plate by links, a first finger attached to the base member of the upper parallel linkage, a second finger attached to the middle plate and is arranged opposite the first finger, drive controllers provided on the links for effecting relative motions of the fingers and for positioning the fingers.

Abstract: A multipurpose bucket structure can carry long materials, pull down a building into pieces and take away the pieces, disassembly an automobile and take away the parts, work with a large-sized tool, dig the ground, for put an area destroyed by a disaster in order, carry ready-mixed concrete and carry concrete blocks or secondary products of concrete. In the bucket structure, an openable bucket is attached in an openable manner to a body bucket by an actuating cylinder, and the buckets are formed with tooth portions for grasping materials. The bucket structure thus constructed of the body bucket and openable bucket can be swiveled in a plane normal to the opening and closing direction of the openable bucket. The openable bucket is automatically locked in its closed position and in any open angle position. On the other hand, the swivel mechanism is equipped with a locking mechanism for locking it in a swivel position.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge carrier mechanism for transporting a selected one of a number of cartridges to a predetermined position so that writing or reading data from the cartridge may be accomplished. In response to a signal received from data processing equipment or a similar host, the mechanism uses rollers (9) and (14B), motors (13) and (17) and rails (6) and (7) to position itself in front of a particular cell block containing a specific cartridge. From this position, the mechanism selects a cartridge from either of two sides of the apparatus without the necessity of rotating. This is accomplished by inserting a pair of fingers (11A) and (11B) into the cell (3) on the selected side and then moving the fingers together to grasp the selected cartridge. The fingers are then retracted and the mechanism relocated to the predetermined position so data can be read from and/or written to the cartridge.

Abstract: An improved robotic power grapple having the capability to both manipulate and impact objects. The grapple has a head assembly containing pivotal jaws and an impact hammer disposed within a rotation device to allow the head assembly and jaws to rotate about a central axis. An impact rod extends through the rotation device and through an opening in the tips of the jaws to permit impaction of objects proximate the opening. In combination with an articulated boom and orientation device, the improved grapple may be utilized in severe-duty foundry operations to remove gates and risers from foundry castings.

Abstract: The mechanism is used for rotating a tree-felling implement rotatably connected to a distal end of a boom of a logging vehicle by an implement pivot. The mechanism comprises a pinion coaxial with the implement pivot and fixed in rotation with reference to the distal end of the boom. Two longitudinally extending actuators are mounted on the frame. Both actuators are lying in the pinion plane. Each actuator is adjacent to the pinion on a respective side thereof, namely right and left, and bears a corresponding sprocket coplanar with the pinion plane and rotatably connected to their free end. To link the elements together, there is provided a chain in mesh with the sprockets and the pinion. The chain has ends rigidly attached to the frame of the implement. In use, the implement is rotated as the actuators are operated in opposite directions.

Abstract: The mechanism is used for rotating a tree-felling implement rotatably connected to a distal end of a boom of a logging vehicle by an implement pivot. The mechanism comprises a first arc-shaped member that extends in a plane perpendicular to the boom plane and is convex with reference to the implement pivot. The first member has a first end rotatably connected to the frame of the implement at a given distance from the implement pivot. A second arc-shaped member, coplanar with the first member, is also convex with reference to the implement pivot. The second member has a first end rotatably connected to the second end of the first member for defining an intermediary junction, and a second end rotatably connected to the distal end of the boom. A hydraulic actuator is mounted on the frame of the implement and has an end rotatably connected to or adjacent to the intermediary junction for rotating the implement during operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A log skidder apparatus includes a frame provided with pivotal attachment points for the reception of the three point hitch components of a tractor. One of the frame carried attachment points is coupled to a hydraulic cylinder for imparting tilting movement to the frame to lift and advance the end of a log being transported into abutment with the frame. A truss of the frame carries a grapple assembly. An upright shaft is journalled in the truss and carries the grapple assembly with the shaft having an arm thereon biased by a spring urging the assembly to a predetermined position to facilitate grapple engagement with a log end. The frame is equpped with plates to confine the log end against displacement from the frame.

Abstract: The mechanism is used for rotating a tree-felling implement rotatably mounted with a pivot to the distal end of the boom of a logging vehicle. The mechanism, the tree-felling implement, the boom and the logging vehicle form a tree-felling machine controlled by an operator and used on logging sites. The mechanism has a pinion coaxial with the implement pivot and fixed in rotation with reference to the distal end of the boom. An arc-shaped rack is rotatably mounted on the frame of the implement by a rack pivot in spaced relationship with the pinion. The rack is in mesh with the pinion and hydraulic actuators are provided on the frame of the implement for swaying the rack and thereby rotating the implement with reference to the boom. Such mechanism is capable of rotating the tree-felling implement with reference to the boom plane in both directions and according to a much wider range angle than the prior art mechanisms.

Abstract: A self-propelled boom loader is arranged as a hybrid between a trailer and a self-propelled vehicle. The loader has a carriage with a pair of independently controllable drive wheels powered by hydraulic drive motors and a free turning third wheel caster spaced from the drive wheels in a tricycle configuration. A hydraulic loader such as a knuckle boom loader is carried on the carriage on a turntable mount. The loader has an on-board hydraulic pump providing operational hydraulic pressure to the boom and turntable, which pressure is controllably divertable to operate the drive motors via controls in the loader cab. The loader is adapted for maneuvering in close quarters and has stabilizing outriggers. The drive wheels have rotationally disengageable hubs for freewheeling, and the carriage has a tow hitch coupleable to a tow vehicle for trailering, the wheels and hitch being mounted on the carriage such that the third wheel is lifted from the ground during trailering, for over the road transport.

Abstract: An automatic disc handling system and method for retrieving and positioning information carrying discs between a storage position to a position of use is described. A displaceable robot having a pair of robotic arms is controlled by a computer connected to a robot controller and instructed to move to discrete positions, either in front of storage racks where a plurality of superposed sliding trays containing one or more discs are stored, or to a plurality of playback units disposed at a position of use to move selected ones of the disc to and from these positions as requested by a person accessing the discs from a remote station. The robot is provided with a tray engaging element to move the tray in and out of its storage position, and the robotic arms of the robot are each provided with a picker mechanism to engage and remove the discs from the trays or the playback units and transport them to effect a function as dictated by the computer and the robot controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a grapple tongs device for mounting to the three-point hitch of the type found on agricultural tractors. The apparatus of this invention comprises a three-point hitch mounting, a grapple boom extending from the hitch mounting, a grapple tongs device suspended from the outer end of the grapple boom, and means for orienting the grapple tongs. The means for orienting the grapple tongs preferably also is employed to open the grapple tongs, the tongs preferably being of the gravity-closing type.

Abstract: The bin grabbing nipper (22) of a refuse loader arm is held at a constant angle to limb (15) by a parallelogram linkage having pivots (26, 17, 19, 25). Thus, pivoting of limb (15) leads directly to inversion of the raised bin and no separate operation of a special bin tilting ram is required to bring a bin to dumping position. The nipper consists of two opposed, jointed fingers which are separately pivoted to a wrist member (21). All finger joints and wrist joints of the nipper are pivoted by separate hydraulic cylinders supplied by a common source. By sensing back-pressure in each cylinder they can be made to exert equal force. Pivoting at limb joints (17) and (19) is by opposed hydraulic cylinders acting on a rack meshing with a gear wheel. Both these joints may be controlled by a single joystick.

Abstract: A load-handling device is designed as a carriage movable along a floor and having a load-handling assembly whose load-engaging member is vertically movable as well as extendable and retractable relative to the carriage. According to the invention, the driving mechanism of the load-handling assembly comprises an endless driving element which runs along an elongate path between guiding wheels. The load-engaging member of the assembly is designed as a double-armed lever. The fulcrum of the lever is rotatably connected to the driving element so as to follow the movements thereof. One arm of the lever constitutes the load-engaging member or forms a part of the load-engaging member. The other arm of the lever has a cam follower. The cam follower serves to absorb torque produced by the load and, to this end, engages a cam track.

Abstract: An attachment for loading and unloading a constructional material capable of substantially improving working efficiency and accomplishing labor saving. A pair of holding arm are pivotally mounted in a manner to be laterally spaced from each other on an arm mounting bracket arranged on a lower surface of a bracket mounted on an arm of a hydraulic shovel, between which a hydraulic cylinder is arranged, resulting in a constructional material being supported between or on the holding arms. Thus, force required for supporting the constructional material can be finely controlled as desired to prevent the material from being broken or damaged due to the application of excessive force thereto.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated handler for drums and the like is mounted on the boom of a tractor so as to be selectively pivoted from a vertical position to fifteen degrees past a horizontal position. Grappling arms are mounted on a front plate which is selectively rotatable through 360.degree. by a hydraulic motor. A spindle rotatably supporting the front plate contains hydraulic operating fluid passages which are coupled through a rotating coupling mechanism to hydraulic cylinders operating the grappling arms. The selective pivotal motion together with the ability to selectively rotate the grappling hooks 360.degree. enables effective gripping and handling of drums.

Abstract: An improved backhoe clamping device is provided which is designed to be easily added onto standard existing backhoe equipment, and which allows full range of curl for the bucket through effectively hollow webbing between clamp arms. The device includes bucket links having integral mounting brackets, onto which clamp links are pivotally and substantially permanently attached, thereby offsetting their pivot points from the bucket links, and preventing loss of clamp links and removable pins. Clamp arms are pivotally attached to the clamp links by a single pin, this single pin also being used to secure the device in a storage position, preventing loss or misplacement of this pin. Clamp arms are also pivotally attached to the backhoe dipper arm. In this way, the existing backhoe leverage actuates the clamp arms, causing them to move in conjunction with the bucket to achieve a clamping effect.

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: A grapple device (12) adapted for coupling to a conventional loader (110) is provided which is especially adapted for the pickup and handling of elongated auger sections. The device (12) includes a pair of pivotal arms (28,30) having auger-engaging pickup members (72,74) secured to the outermost ends thereof. The arms (28,30) are movable between a closed, auger-engaging position and an open position by a stationary piston and cylinder assembly (94) equipped with an extensible piston rod (96); the rod (96) is coupled to the arms (28, 30) by pivotal links (104,106). Selective rotation of the arms (28, 30) is effected by motor (108) coupled via chain (112) and sprockets (110,88) to the arm assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for single-handed operation in skidding logs, stumps, poles and the like. An A-frame with rearwardly-extending beam is attached to the three-point hitch of a tractor. A fluid-operated grapple, which will inherently adjust to various shapes and sizes of objects, is suspended from the rearward end of the beam. A chain, having a small amount of slack, is connected by its ends to the grapple tongs, and is rove around sleeved bolts near the draft arm attachment points. When the object to be skidded is grappled and lifted, the operator moves the tractor in the desired direction, and the chain immediately takes the towing load.

Abstract: A gripper for grasping articles in an automatic or semi-automatic handling system includes spring-loaded jaws. No fasteners such as screws, pins, or the like are required to hold the jaws to the gripper assembly. The jaws are moved by way of motor-driven cams. During a grip mode, the cams do not contact the jaws, and the grip is achieved by way of the springs acting against rollers contacting the outside of the jaws. A worm on the motor shaft compresses a spring to buffer the deceleration of the motor. The spring applies a moment to worm gears which mate with the worm on the motor shaft. The gear shaft of each worm gear is operatively coupled to a respective camshaft. In this manner, the cams are locked.

Abstract: A bale handling implement is disclosed having a pair of elongated arm members rotatably attached to a mounting support such that the arms are rotatable about their longitudinal axes. The arms, which have several teeth extending from one side, rotatably pass through a support bushing that is directly attached to the mounting support. The elongated arms are rotated by a single, fluid actuated power cylinder attached to the mounting support between a position in which the teeth extend generally downwardly and a position in which the teeth engage the hay bale to facilitate its lifting. A linkage mechanism interconnects the actuating rod of the fluid actuated power cylinder to crank arms attached to the elongated arm members such that extension and retraction of the actuating rod causes the arm members to rotate about their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: An improvement in a self-loading apparatus for picking up and moving a bale of hay having diameters of up to about 3 or 4 feet and longitudinal lengths of up to about 5 or 6 feet. The apparatus is of the type including a main frame member supported on wheels mounted near the end of the main frame. A hitch frame has one end pivotally connected to the front end portion of the main frame, with the other end of the hitch frame adapted for attachment to a tow vehicle. The main frame is adapted to be tilted upwardly about the support wheels when braking devices on the wheels are activated and the tow vehicle is backed up. A pair of load engaging and clamping swing arms are pivotally attached to the respective sides of the main frame.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus connected to a prime mover having first and second jaws, the first jaw connected and configured to approximate a grading blade for a bulldozer, and the second jaw connected to the first jaw in one of two orientations, 180 degrees apart and about vertical axis. The jaws also have open and closed positions, defining four extreme positions. The combined first and second jaws define either a bucket, or when the second jaw is extended away from the grader blade a clam shell type bucket, or a pincer type grappler.

Abstract: A quadflex bucket apparatus operable to grasp and lift loose piles of material. The quadflex bucket apparatus comprises a lower jaw assembly with at least one finger member pivotally secured thereto. An upper jaw assembly is pivotally secured to the middle jaw assembly. A pair of first hydraulic cylinders is pivotally secured to the lower jaw assembly and to the middle jaw assembly. A pair of second hydraulic cylinders is pivotally secured to the middle jaw assembly and to the upper jaw assembly.

Abstract: A gripper for tools of a machine tool is provided with a hand with at least one moveable jaw arranged thereon for form-locking engagement of the tools.In order to enable the tools to be automatically gripped in form-locking engagement, without any supply of auxiliary energy, the hand is provided with an actuating element that can be moved by means of a stationary stop provided on the machine tool to move the jaw into a spread-apart position for introducing the tool, and into a closed position for gripping the tool in a form-locking manner.

Abstract: A device for pulling a shaft from the core of a roll of web material, the device comprising a jack having a wheeled base, a head, and means for raising and lowering the head relative to the base. A shaft receiver is mounted on the head, the shaft receiver having a passage therein for receiving the shaft. The device further comprises a shaft gripper adapted to grip a shaft inserted into the shaft-receiving passage, permitting relative forward movement of the shaft in the passage but resisting relative rearward movement of the shaft in the passage, so that the device can be applied to the end of the shaft to grip the shaft in the passage and pulled to pull the shaft from the roll.

Abstract: A grapple with a mounting bracket for attachment to the outer boom of an excavator having a hydraulic cylinder with a top jaw mounted for pivotal movement on the mounting bracket. A bottom jaw is attached to the mounting bracket for opening and closing cooperation with the top jaw. Linkages are connected, respectively, to the top and bottom jaws and to the hydraulic cylinder for unison powered movement of the top and bottom jaws into an open position, and for unison powered movement of the top and bottom jaws into a closed position by operation of only the single hydraulic cylinder through the linkage. The top jaw and the bottom jaw are coaxially mounted on the mounting bracket. The linkages include a top linkage bar connected by one end to the top jaw and a bottom linkage bar connected by one end to the bottom jaw. The other end of both top and bottom linkage bars are attached to the hydraulic cylinder through a hydraulic cylinder linkage bar.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization of the same of a fixture used for the placement of seats in a vehicle body or cab structure. The present invention provides a "C" frame which may be attached to an overhead lifting device, a first link pivotally connected to the "C" frame, and a second link angularly and pivotally connected to the first link for penetrating between the seat back and seat cushion. A lifting mechanism is provided for raising the second link thereby causing the seat to be captured by the fixture so that the seat can be transported by the lifting device.

Abstract: A trailed skidder vehicle driven from the power take-off of a tractor or other power driving vehicle performs the operations of a conventional skidder. The trailed skidder vehicle has an elongate structural frame supported by an axle and set of wheels at the rear end of the frame. The axle includes a differential drive for coordinated drive of the set of wheels. A load bearing superstructure arch-like support extends above the frame adjacent to the rear end. The arch support is constructed with braces on the frame for transmitting forces from a load applied at the top of the arch support to the axles. A superstructure cable bearing such as a cable roller arrangement or fairlead is mounted on the arch support for guiding and bearing a timber skidding cable. A winch is mounted on the frame forward of the superstructure arch support for extending and retracting a timber skidding cable over the cable bearing or roller arrangement.

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: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for gripping DIP components automatically without the need for shutting down the machine to change the tooling assembly when handling components which differ in width. Two sets of fingers are provided, with one set inside the other, such that engagement of the inner pair with a wide component causes automatic retraction of them sufficiently for gripping of the component by the outer pair. In the absence of a component, the inner pair of fingers is automatically extended for subsequent component handling.

Abstract: A rigid main frame has top and bottom frame members and upright connecting frame members. A pair of support arms have an inner end thereof pivotally supported on the bottom frame member and these arms are driven by powered cylinders connected to the main frame. The arms are supported from above by tension support members. The support arms have opposed load engaging pads on the outer ends thereof arranged to engage a load from opposite directions. The support arms and load engaging pads have a convex-concave configuration for efficient lifting relationship with a load. The load engaging pads have stem attachment to the support arms and such stems have length adjustable support in the support arms for providing a selected spacing of the pads from the arms.

Abstract: A take-out mechanism of particular utility in a glassware forming machine is provided by a ring-shaped member having pivotally mounted gripping fingers mounted on an inner periphery thereof, the gripping fingers being moveable between a retracted position in which they are positioned within the ring-shaped member, and an extended position for gripping relationship with an article, the ring-shaped member being vertically adjustable in position.

Abstract: A take-out tong head assembly for a glass blowing machine is mounted in a take-out mechanism for omni-directional adjustment of the tong head assembly in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the blow molds for the purpose of eliminating checks in the blown articles formed in said glass blowing machine.

Abstract: A robot gripper jaw assembly includes a support plate having front and rear faces. Jaw mounts extend from the front face and cooperating jaws are pivotally mounted to the jaw mounts for gripping work. The support plate has an opening therein generally centrally disposed relative to the jaw mounts and a cylinder and piston assembly is secured to the support plate rear face in alignment with the opening. The piston of the cylinder and piston assembly extends through the opening and is engagable with the jaws so that forward and rearward movement of the piston causes cooperative pivoting of the jaws for closing and opening the jaws for gripping and releasing work. The support plate and the cylinder and piston assembly have a central rotational axis and the robot includes an assembly for simultaneously rotating the support plate and the cylinder and piston assembly on the rotational axis.

Abstract: A programmable automatic assembly system is provided which may be employed to assemble small parts. Each assembly station includes cooperating manipulator arms which are programmable to assemble parts on a centrally located work table. Improved facilities are provided for teaching the manipulator arms at each station, these facilities including a computer which assists the teaching operator in setting up the programs required for assembly of small parts to close tolerances. Each manipulator arm includes closed loop teach facilities for maintaining the arm at a previously located position during the teaching mode of operation. The computer is employed as a teach assist facility in performing a number of tasks during the teaching operation which are extremely difficult for the operator to perform manually. All of the assembly stations may be controlled during playback from a common disc storage facility so that the control circuitry and memory storage facilities at each manipulator are minimized.