Abstract: A lifting system includes a top plate, a bottom plate and N pairs of hinged plates. The N pairs of hinged plates are connected by 2N pairs of hinges to N sides of the top plate and the bottom plate, where N is an integer greater than 2. A bladder is arranged between the top plate and the bottom plate and between inner edges of the N pairs of hinged plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for a pipe handling apparatus has a main rotating structural member rotating about a pivot axis relative to a skid and moving from a first position to a second position. A tensioning mechanism is affixed to the main rotating structural member. The tensioning mechanism applies a tension to the main rotating structural member when the main rotating structural member is in the second position. The tensioning mechanism has a first cable having an end attached adjacent a top of the main rotating structural member, and a second cable having an end attached adjacent the top of the main rotating structural member. The first and second cables have opposite ends attached to a fixed surface. The first and second cables extend angularly outwardly from a front of the main rotating structural member. The first and second cables extend angularly outwardly from the sides of the main rotating structural member.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a supporting structure, an arm pivotally interconnected to the supporting structure such that the supporting structure and the arm are movable between a first position and a second position within a single degree of freedom, and a stiffener cooperative with the arm when the arm and the supporting structure are in the second position. The stiffener applies a mechanical resistance to the arm in the second position. The second position is at an end of the travel of the supporting structure and the arm. The stiffener applies a variable resistance to the arm as the arm moves from the first position to the second position. This variable resistance is at its greatest when the arm is in the second position.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: A transfer device for transporting parts includes a rotatable stand including first and second angularly spaced arms secured to the stand and able to rotate between a first location where parts are installed on the first arms and a second location where the parts are removed from the first arms, and actuators for raising and lowering the arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular handling apparatus for moving tubulars between a substantially horizontal transfer station and a second transfer station. The apparatus comprises a base and a boom, rotatable with respect to the base between a lowered position and a raised position by boom rotation drive means in a boom rotation direction around a horizontal boom rotation axis. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a gripper, rotatably attached to the boom and adapted for gripping the tubular, which gripper is rotatable about a gripper rotation axis by a gripper rotation drive means in a gripper rotation direction. According to the invention, the gripper rotation axis is parallel to and spaced from the horizontal boom rotation axis and in that the gripper rotation drive means provide a gripper rotation direction opposite to the boom rotation direction.

Abstract: An article transfer apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a fulcrum, a lever arm rotatably attached to the fulcrum, and a clamp coupled to the lever arm having a first carrier retaining portion and a second carrier retaining portion.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing weld land areas of panels to be welded to each other is disclosed. Generally, the system of the present invention includes a system for cleaning contaminants from such weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for cleaning contaminants includes a system for blasting carbon dioxide granules or pellets against the weld land areas. In instances where the panels comprise aluminum, the system may further include a system for removing at least a first layer of aluminum oxide from the weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for removing includes a system for moving a plurality of sheets of sand paper over the weld land areas. For purposes of moving the panels relative to the system for cleaning contaminants and/or the system for removing at least the first layer of aluminum oxide, the automated system of the present invention may further include a shuttle system for supporting and moving at least the first panel therethrough.

Abstract: A stacker for the stacking of metallic section bars in alternating upright and reverse layers in an orderly manner, in particular of section bars originating from rolling mills by a conveying line which includes a plurality of trolleys equipped with lances capable of moving forward and backward from the reception area of a stack of section bars to a deposition area of the same layer of section bars in an upright position, and a plurality of magnetic heads capable of being actuated to rotate by a first set of actuating members from a picking-up position of another layer of section bars to a depositing position of the same layer of section bars reversed on top of the first layer of upright section bars.

Abstract: An automatic stacker with rotary heads for stacking in an ordered manner in alternate upright and inverted layers rolled metal sections originating from a rolling mill via a transport line is characterised in that each head also undergoes vertical translational movement in the directions of the arrow substantially parallel to itself, such movement being provided by a second drive mechanism independent of a first providing rotation of the head itself. In this manner, the head deposits softly and with precision each layer of sections on the layer placed below, thus avoiding jamming and improper stacking.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a tilt cylinder assembly for an underlift assembly for attachment to a recovery vehicle. The present invention provides for rotation of the horizontal member about a first and second pivot point. The first pivot point is where the lifters attach to the horizontal member. The second pivot point is formed by attaching a forward end of the horizontal member to a tilt cylinder assembly including at least one lifter. The tilt cylinder assembly lifter provides for movement of the second pivot point. By providing two pivot points, the operator of the underlift assembly is allowed more flexibility in positioning.

Abstract: A multicomponent attachment apparatus for a movable working device which is detachably attached to the front end of the working device, including a device-sided adapter in order to connect the attachment to the working device, a building component-sided supporting member with holders to pick up, move, hold and deliver a building component, and intermediate pieces between the adapter and the supporting member, whereby the intermediate pieces are connected movably together and to the adapter and the supporting member and include a lifting module (1) which is connected to the working device and can be vertically adjusted and fixed in position at any desired height with respect to the working device by a lifting drive; a sliding module (4) movably mounted to opposite sides of the front of the lifting module (1) and movable by a sliding drive and stoppable in any desired side position; a spacing module (10) mounted to the front of the sliding module is movable in a longitudinal direction of the working device by m

Abstract: A rotary placer for picking, transferring and placing a carton from a stack of cartons or sleeves in a magazine to an assembly position. The rotary placer includes a frame driven for rotation about a first axis and supporting an arm having an inner end and an outer end. The outer end of the arm has vacuum cups for engaging and releasably retaining a carton for movement from the pick position to the place position. The arm is reciprocated from an extended position to a retracted position. The vacuum cups engage a carton when the arm is in the extended position and the arm retracts to remove the carton from the magazine and carry it toward the place position. The arm again is extended as it reaches the place position. A cam guide controls the movement of the vacuum cups so they move linearly away from a carton in the magazine.

Abstract: An invertor (10) is disclosed including first and second probes (12, 14) which are pivotably mounted to a U-shaped housing (20) and to a block (18) which is reciprocally mounted to the housing (20) by guide shafts (38). The block (18) is reciprocated by a rotary actuator (42) between a first position where the probes (12, 14) are in a parallel relation and a second position where the probes (12, 14) are in line. The suction pin (80) of the first probe (12) is extended to attach to the first surface (96) of the chip (98) and then retracted. The probes (12, 14) are then moved to their in line relation where the chip (98) is passed from the first probe (12) to the second probe (14) by attaching the opposing surface (100) of the chip (98) to the suction pin (80) of the second probe (14). After moving the probes (12, 14) to their parallel relation, the suction pin (80) of the second probe (14) is extended to place and release the chip (98).

Abstract: A sheet block inverter is described in which successive blocks of sheets received along an infeed plane are successively inverted prior to being received on a discharge conveyor. A sheet block receiving magazine receives a sheet block along the infeed plane. A magazine pivot driver then pivots the sheet block through an angle about a second axis of less than 180.degree., leaving the block nearly inverted and upwardly inclined. The magazine is mounted to a magazine inverter yoke, which in turn is pivotably mounted to a discharge conveyor. The inverter yoke and magazine are then pivoted by an inverter yoke pivot driver about a first axis to a discharge station where the discharge conveyor receives the block. The discharge conveyor is mounted for elevational adjustment about an axis that is coaxial with the first axis.

Abstract: A lift for attachment to a vehicle for moving mobility-impaired passengers between lowered and raised positions for entry and exit. A platform (27) is affixed to an unequal modified parallelogram structure (20), the combination being supported on movable rails (40,41) and carried by rollers (90, 91) for movement by an electric motor (52) between extended and retracted positions in relation to the vehicle. The rails (89) may define a curved portion (89b) to change orientation of the platform combination for storage to an inclined position. The unequal modified parallelogram structure (20) is actuated by a hydraulic ram (34) acting through pivot plates (17, 18) on a common transverse axis (34a) with the upper members of the parallelogram structure (20) to raise and lower the platform (27) so as to incline slightly downward when raised and slightly upward when lowered. The platform may be sectioned with a pivoted part affording a step for the vehicle.

Abstract: Unit (10) to feed and stack layer of sections, which is located downstream of a layer-forming platform (11) and upstream of a packaging assembly (32), the layer-forming platform (11) comprising a plurality of conveyors (29), the unit (10) consisting of a plurality of first manipulator arms (40) and a plurality of second manipulator arms (41) able to rotate about an axis (42) parallel to the lengthwise axis of the sections to be packaged, the manipulator arms (40-41) bearing layer manipulators (35-36) able to move lengthwise along the manipulator arms (40-41) in the transient state of rotation of the movable manipulator arms (40-41), the layer manipulators (35-36) having an engagement position (45) arranged substantially at the front of and external to their relative manipulator arms (40-41).

Abstract: An apparatus for turning over a package (9) through 180.degree. out of a first position (I) on a supply conveyor (6) into a second position (II) on a removal conveyor (12), a frame (2) mounted on the floor (1) being provided to support a propulsion unit provided with a driving motor (13). To provide a turn-over apparatus for a tubular package, the propulsion unit (15, 20) comprises a movable linear carriage driven between the two positions (I, II) and a stationary slotted guide (20) with a control cam (22) and at least one gripper element is movably mounted in the linear carriage and is rigidly connected to a follower roller (24) guided in the control cam (22).

Abstract: A rotator for use on backhoe boom to rotate attachments thereon relative to the boom. The rotator has a main support frame pivotally secured to the boom with a rotating extension mount onto which the attachment is secured. A rotary joint for hydraulic controls extends from the main support frame and a hydraulic drive motor and gear assembly engage and rotate the extension mount extending from the main support frame.

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: Garbage-collecting truck comprising a dumping unit, including a pour-in opening and lifting and tipping mechanism for receiving a garbage can and emptying it into the pour-in opening leading into a receiving chamber. The lifting and tipping mechanism comprises a lifting arm pivoted on a transverse axis to the dumping unit or truck chassis and carries a base team at its free end parallel to the transverse axis and pivotally movable between a receiving position in front of the driver's cab and a pouring position behind it. A carrier mounted on the base beam is extensible from one end of the rail by a fluid-operable piston-cylinder unit. A swivel arm mounted on the carrier is pivotally movable through links and a fluid operable piston-cylinder unit between a position in which it extends along the carrier, and an outer position, in which it extends approximately at right angles thereto. A coupling member carried by the swivel arm at its free end is adapted to be coupled to or grip a garbage can.

Abstract: A system is provided for controling a robot operating in association with a rotary table, including a robot, a rotary table, and a control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for transferring a cassette holding articles to be processed to and from a container supported at a processing station where the processing station has a cassette port for receiving the cassette when the cassette moves along a central axis extending from outside the processing station through the cassette port, and into the processing station, said apparatus comprising: a platform device including a cassette platform transportable substantially along the central axis for transferring the cassette to and from the container substantially along the central axis; a manipulator device including a first member extending substantially orthogonal to the central axis, the first member including a first portion and a second portion; a pivoting arm including a pivoting portion and a coupling portion, the pivoting portion mounted pivotally adjacent to the second portion of the first member, the pivoting arm operable to pivot about a pivot axis extending substantially through th

Abstract: An earth-working machine such as an excavator includes a mobile chassis having a support base on which an internal or external gear is fixedly mounted. A slider ring is mounted on the underside of a turntable with a hydraulic motor mounted thereon and having a drive pinion held in mesh with the internal or external gear. A carriage supporting an excavating mechanism has an internal or external gear fixed to the underside of the carriage and rotatably mounted on an annular holder fixed to the turntable. An intermediate shaft is rotatably journalled in at least one bearing mounted on the turntable and has a pair of pinions fixed thereto and held in mesh with the gears, respectively. Alternatively, an intermediate shaft may have a pinion held in driving mesh with the gear secured to the carriage and driven by another hydraulic motor mounted on the turntable through sprockets and a chain trained therearound.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a workpiece to and out of a press is provided with at least a pair of workpiece carrying mechanism assemblies which are driven and controlled independently, and each of the mechanism assemblies includes at least one attachment for attracting the workpiece.

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 side shift backhoe mounted on a sliding frame adapted for sliding transversely along upper and lower tracks of a main frame and in which the sliding frame and one of the tracks have matching chamfered surfaces and the sliding frame and other track have matching horizontal surfaces, and a power device extending between the sliding frame and main frame to effect movement of the sliding frame vertically in one direction to tightly engage the chamfered surfaces and in the opposite direction to cause the horizontal surfaces to engage so that the weight of the backhoe is carried on said other track having the matching horizontal surface.

Abstract: A pipe handling machine having vertical tracks mounted on a rotatable base. A carriage is mounted on the vertical tracks for vertical movement. A multisection telescoping boom is mounted on the carriage, and a pipe-engaging head is mounted on the end of the boom. The base may be carried on a movable trolley, which engages a set of tracks. The tracks run across the rig floor, from well center to a setback area. A second set of tracks may run across the rig floor, transverse to the first set.

Abstract: A variable geometry mounting arrangement for the boom assembly of a backhoe is disclosed which permits relatively great working depths without increasing the overall height of the backhoe assembly in its raised, transport position. The arrangement includes a bellcrank coupler assembly operatively interposed between a swing tower and boom assembly of a backhoe, with a gearing arrangement provided operatively connecting the boom and the swing tower. By this construction, the vertical disposition of the horizontal pivot axis of the boom is altered as the boom is pivoted. The bellcrank coupler asembly provides a central anchor for the hydraulic fluid boom actuator of the backhoe, and permits the actuator to work through a relatively large moment arm for enhanced performance, and further permits use of a relatively simpified box-section boom construction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manipulator for removing a cassette holding articles, such as semiconductor wafers, to be processed from a container supported on a processing station in a standard mechanical interface (SMIF) system. The container is supported on an interface port on the canopy of the processing station and has a removeable door on which the cassette is supportable. A first platform is transportable along a shaft below the interface port and is operable to mate with the interface port and receive the cassette from the container. The first platform is transported down the shaft, thereby removing the cassette from the container. A second platform mounted in the shaft includes a manipulator arm which swings to engage the cassette on the first platform and support the cassette off of the first platform. The manipulator arm then pivots to transport the cassette to a location in the processing station away from the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manipulator for removing a cassette holding articles, such as semiconductor wafers, to be processed from a container supported on a processing station in a standard mechanical interface (SMIF) system. The container is supported on an interface port on the canopy of the processing station. A first platform is transportable along a shaft below the interface port. The platform is operable to mate with the interface port and receive the cassette from the container. The first platform is transported down the shaft, thereby removing the cassette from the container. An arm orthogonal to the shaft and mounted in the shaft supports a pivoting arm which swings to engage the cassette on the first platform and support the cassette off of the first platform. The pivoting arm pivots to transport the cassette to a location away from the shaft. The first platform is then transported back up the shaft to the interface port to seal the container to prevent particulate contamination.

Abstract: In a pantograph load handling device having work arms formed of a parallelogram linkage, an improved load cylinder arrangement is provided comprising a flexible diaphragm disposed in a loose support arrangement to afford vertical movement of the load in a more accurate and inexpensive operation than heretofore known.

Abstract: A loader for relatively long, flexible strips of sheet stock has a pair of parallel, generally vertically extending arms having vertically slotted upper ends. The lower ends of the arms are pivotally connected with vertically guided slide blocks. Each arm is pivotally connected intermediate its ends with a mechanism for moving the upper slotted ends of the arms in an elliptical path lying in a vertical plane. The elliptical path is such that, at one position therein, a strip of sheet stock slid off the top of a stack of such strips gravitates edgewise into the slots in said arms and, in another position, the strip in the slotted ends of the arms is deposited edgewise into vertical slots in the rails of a strip conveyor.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a heavy object between selected heights and positions includes two pairs of spaced, parallel lift arms which are pivotally coupled at one end. One end of one of the pairs of lift arms is pivotally coupled to a base member. A shaft extends between the lever arms and a handle is provided to rotate the shaft to simultaneously rotate the lift arms with respect to the base member. Linkages couple the other lift arms to the shaft at pivot points which are offset from the pivot points of the lift arms and from the shaft. Accordingly, the two pairs of lever arms simultaneously move with respect to one another upon the actuation of the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A dumping mechanism for tilting a chute to discharge a load from the chute comprises a linkage supporting the chute on a base for movement between a loading position and a dumping position under the action of hydraulic piston and cylinders connected between the linkage and the base. The linkage comprises two parallel links on which the chute is mounted and two further pairs of parallel links pivotally connected to the chute-supporting links and to the base at spaced positions and arranged in mutually crossing relationship to tilt the chute during displacement of the chute from the loading position to the dumping position.

Abstract: A carton transfer apparatus including an inverting arm having a carrier for transferring individual blanks of flexible paperboard material. The inverting arm pivots so that its effective length remains constant throughout its feeding movement. The inverting arm specifically pivots about a follower on one of its ends; the follower being movable along a track to vary the location of the pivotal axis during the feed movement. The track is secured to a pivotable support member. A feed arm drives the inverting arm and the support member is rotated in timed relationship by an interconnecting link. As the follower on the inverting arm moves along the track, the effective length of the arm is maintained substantially the same so as not to impose acceleration movement on the carrier.

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: A device for selectably positioning onto an automobile an invalid's wheelchair comprising a fixed support apparatus mountable onto the roof of an automobile and defining a fixed track, an axle arranged for rotational rolling engagement with the track and movement therealong, and wheelchair support shaft apparatus defining first and second ends, the first end being rotatably mounted onto the axle and the second end being associated with a wheelchair for support thereof.

Abstract: An industrial robot having several axes of movement and comprising a base mounted for linear or pivotal movement, a pair of angularly movable parallelogram leverages and a toolholder head movable by the leverages and supporting a tool such as a welding torch. The toolholder head has two degrees of freedom of pivotal movement. The tool supported thereby is centered in a fixed point of focus irrespective of the position of the toolholder head and the tool can be adjusted without changing this point of focus merely by adjusting the toolholder head without adjusting other axes of movement of the robot.

Abstract: The wheeled frame remaining after removal therefrom of a detachable cargo container is gripped by clamping mechanism of a carrying unit mounted on a lift truck, then raised above the ground and pivoted from its normal horizontal position to a vertical position for transport to a multiple storage unit. The clamping mechanism is mounted for movement along an elongated boom the inner end of which is mounted on the vertically movable carriage of a lift truck for pivotal movement of the boom between horizontal and vertical positions.

Abstract: A carriage for inserting warp beams into a weaving machine includes a frame with rollers thereon for allowing movement of the carriage with respect to a floor or other support surface. The carriage includes support arms having front ends for engagement with the journal of the warp beam for raising and lowering the warp beam as needed. The front ends of the support arm may be displaced with respect to the frame along a path which is transverse to the axis of the warp beam. It therefore becomes unnecessary, when inserting a warp beam into a weaving machine, to move the carriage as a whole transversely into the weaving machine to deposit the warp beam in the correct location on holders in the weaving machine.

Abstract: A system for the vertical and horizontal transportation of loads, particularly stored goods to be arranged in storage shelves, is formed with a carrier having preferably a pair of brackets arranged thereon and spaced a horizontal distance from each other, with each of the brackets formed of two rotatably connected arms. One of the arms is a support arm rotatably mounted on the carrier with the second arm being freely cantilevered therefrom. The cantilevered arm is formed at its free end with recesses or the like for engaging the goods to be transported and rotation of the cantilevered arm is determined in dependence upon rotary motion of the support arm. The arrangement makes it possible to lift a load in a simple manner and to shift the load through an approximately horizontal path by relative rotation of the arms of the brackets as a result of which spacing between adjacent storage shelves may be maintained very narrow while enabling goods to be transported therebetween.

Abstract: A tool-changing mechanism for machine tools of the kind in which tools can be inserted into a spindle. A tool magazine receives several tools and a double-ended tool-changing arm is provided on each of its two ends with gripping mechanisms. The tool-changing arm is rotatable about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the spindle axis and the tool-changing arm can be moved along the direction of its axis of rotation. The tool-changing arm can also be pivoted, between a working position and a rest position, about a pivot axis which is parallel to its axis of rotation.

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 linkage system particularly for vehicle-carried lifting arrangements comprising a link (11) whose one end is pivotally connected to a link arm (10,14) at a location (13) between one end of the link arm and the other end (8) thereof, the one end being provided with a load-carrying member (3) and the other end being mounted in a horizontal guide (7) which is arranged, during a lifting or lowering operation, to guide the other end (8) of said link arm substantially linearly and horizontally. A lifting-force generating device (16), for example a hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement, is connected with the link (11) in a manner such that, during a lifting or lowering operation, the end of the link arm having the load-carrying member can be moved vertically in a substantially straight line from a height position below the horizontal guide (7) to a height position above the guide (7) or vice versa while simultaneously moving the end (8) of the link arm mounted in the guide (7) horizontally.

Abstract: A device for handling semi-continuously vertically cast rectangular strands, especially of aluminum and aluminum alloys. The strands are simultaneously adjacent to each other lowered by means of a downwardly movable casting table, brought into engagement with a supporting member, and by a pivoting movement of the dummy bars and of the supporting member which are operatively connected to the casting table are moved into an at least nearly horizontal positon with regard to the casting table. The above mentioned pivoting movement is coupled to the upward movement of the casting table. The strands are cast in such a way that one of their narrow sides is located opposite the supporting member. During the upward movement of the casting table, the supporting member with the strands one narrow side of which engages the supporting member are pivoted about a pivot axis which is eccentrically located with regard to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the casting table.

Abstract: A mechanism for unloading a part which is retracted upwardly with a tool and which remains on the tool as the latter begins its downward stroke. The mechanism includes a tray which initially is moved into position to remove the part from the tool as the tool starts through its downward stroke. After removing the part, the tray catches the part and then shifts clear of the downwardly moving tool and discharges the part.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a tool for conditioning material within a high temperature furnace. The tool is secured in one end of an air-cooled boom while the other end of the boom is connected to a carriage that is arranged to move reciprocally within a horizontally-aligned gantry. The gantry, in turn, is adjustably supported upon a chassis mounted turntable that is capable of being driven over the ground by means of a pair of endless treads. The gantry is connected to the turntable by hydraulic lifters which independently raise or lower the gantry at two separate locations along its length to impart an expanded degree of maneuverability to the tool. Shock absorber means are also operatively associated with the boom to prevent the boom structure from being damaged in the event the tool becomes hung up in the furnace.

Abstract: A device includes a fixed frame over the bed and the cab of a pickup truck, a pair of slanting rails along the sides of the fixed frame, and a folding frame that is detachably connected to the rear portion of the fixed frame. Unfolding the folding frame extends a carrying frame slantingly, rearwardly from the rails to the rear of the folding frame. Folding the frame by operation of a winch moves the front end of the carrying frame up the rails while the rear end of the carrying frame is guided by members of the folding frame to a position over the bed of the pickup truck. After removing locking pins, the winch is again operated to position the folding frame over the fixed frame at the sides of the carrying frame.

Abstract: A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile; transfer apparatus, mounted onto the support apparatus for selectably transporting a mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to the automobile; and a cover member articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow.