Abstract: The cargo container carrier of this invention is configured to be removably attachable to the carriage structure of a conventional lift truck. The assembly comprises a vertically extensible main frame secured to the lift truck carriage, the frame pivotally supporting a first pair of tiltable container lifting beam sections for adjustment between an operative position in which they are in longitudinal extension, for engaging an empty cargo container for transport, and an inoperative position in which they extend along the lateral sides of the lift truck in order to allow for increased manueverability of the vehicle while not functioning in the transporting of cargo containers, and for operation of the lift truck in conventional uses and in confined spaces.

Abstract: A fork for a fork lift vehicle, which is formed with an integral head, created by forging the same, into a hooked shape form, the rest of the fork being of generally conventional configuration, the fork further including special devices to effect latching of the same in position for use and to make positive the positioning and release of the fork for movement into various transverse positions with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A side shifter having a quick-mounting anchor bracket for mounting on a conventional hook-type lift truck carriage without the need for welding of any side shifter components, such as a hydraulic ram anchor, to the lift truck carriage. The side shifter features alternative upper and lower hydraulic ram anchors and interlocking relatively movable components which are prevented from disassembly when the side shifter is detached from the lift truck carriage. Friction-reducing bushings for accommodating the transverse sliding motion of the side shifter are engaged with the quick-mounting anchor bracket in such a way so as to prevent not only transverse motion but also upward motion of the bushings which might otherwise occur under the influence of the load moment. The side shifter features lower hook assemblies capable of supporting the side shifter at an elevated position when detached from the lift truck carriage, and capable of exceptionally fine vertical adjustment.

Abstract: A load support assembly including a base plate pivotally mounted to the lift arm of a supporting vehicle. A linking arm pivotally mounted to the base plate at one end and having a lift fork pivotally mounted at the other end. A hydraulic cylinder pivotally mounted to the base plate at one end and has a lift fork pivotally mounted at the other end. A linking arm is pivotally mounted to the base plate at one end and has another lift fork pivotally mounted at the other end. A member is pivotally mounted to both lift forks to maintain the lift forks in parallel alignment. A second hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted to the base plate at one end and to the linking arm at the other end to impart rotational displacement to the linking arm.

Abstract: A load carrying arrangement for a lift truck includes two spaced apart hollow upright elongated members which are mounted on a mounting element that is displaceably mounted on the frame of the truck, and at least one load-engaging attachment which has at least one load-engaging portion and two mounting portions introducible into the interiors of the corresponding upright members through the open ends thereof to mount the load-engaging attachment on the upright members and thus on the mounting element. Fixing elements, such as pins or bolts extending through aligned bores in the upright members and in the mounting portions, positionally fix the mounting portions within the corresponding upright members.

Abstract: Each of the tines of a fork lift truck is provided with a sleeve which is telescopically slidable thereover. A cross member joins the sleeves at their inner ends closest to the truck. A mechanical linkage is mounted on the truck and attached to the cross member. Extension of the linkage causes the covering sleeves to be tine extensions thus permitting a load carried thereon to be forwardly extended relative to the lift truck. A bail member having a rectangular perimeter is pivotally mounted at its rear on the lift truck to the rear of the tines and is positionable either in a substantially vertical position adjacent the front of the lift truck or in a horizontal position where the front cross member rests on the top surface of the sleeves. A cross slatted pallet carrying a load is positioned across the forwardly extending tines with their sleeve covers. Each of the sleeves is provided with a fixed lug on its top side.

Abstract: According to the invention, a machine is disclosed for handling and preferably loading loose signature packs onto a pallet. In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises an industrial robot known per se, which has an arm movable in all planes. This arm is provided with a rotation device on which is mounted a gripping device incuding at least two horizontal, reciprocally movable carrying rods co-acting with a support plate and at least one vertical pressure plate movable toward and away from the carrying rods for gripping and conveying a pack of loose signatures from a conveyor and depositing them in a programmed pattern for building a load on a pallet.

Abstract: A standard hook-type carriage assembly designed for lift truck use in the handling of palletized cargo is converted for use in the handling of concrete blocks by hooking block-handling forks on the carriage plate and positioning such forks on the carriage plate with predetermined lateral spacings between the forks by a removable elongated spacer bar to which all of the forks are attached. Lost-motion connections are made between the forks and the spacer bar and limited lengthwise movement of the spacer bar relative to the carriage plate is permitted so that the forks can float, relative to each other and in unison, laterally along the carriage plate. The forks can also move independently of each other through a limited vertical distance relative to the carriage plate.

Abstract: An automatic code reading device, which is adaptable to use in object storage and retrieval apparatus, can read out the code mark affixed on an axial end surface of an object having a circular section. The device includes a housing defining a chamber in which the object should be loaded. In the housing, a read head unit for reading out the code mark and a holder for holding the drawn object are mounted. The read head unit or the holder is rotated by motor drive to scan the code mark affixed on the drawn object by the read head unit. The rotational angular extent is controlled (360.degree.+.alpha..degree.), where .alpha..degree. is at least an angular extent over which the code mark extends.The reading device is provided with a pick-up device for drawing object into the chamber and pushing out the object therefrom.

Abstract: A fork attachment for a fork lift truck of the type having a vertically movable carriage. The fork assembly includes a pair of frames for being attached side-by-side to the carriage. Each frame includes a pair of side frame members having substantially U-shaped tops. An elongated shaft is adapted to extend between the side frame members of each frame and to rest in the U-shaped tops thereof. A plurality of spaced-apart fork members are slidably attached to each shaft. Outwardly extending pegs on each fork member coact with slots in an elongated bar extending the length of each shaft to control the spacing of the fork members relative to each other.

Abstract: A materials handling device suitable for mounting on a structure, such as a pickup truck, so that heavy materials, such as cylindrical bales of hay, can be selectively loaded and unloaded onto the pickup truck for transportation from one location to another. The materials handling device comprises a housing assembly pivotally connected to the support structure so that the housing assembly is substantially vertically disposed adjacent an edge of the support structure; a frame slideably positioned within the housing assembly; a material engaging assembly mounted on the lower end portion of the frame so as to extend in a direction away from the support structure; and a frame and housing actuator assembly disposed between and interconnecting the support structure and the upper end portion of the frame. The actuator assembly, which is pivotally connected to the frame and the support structure, selectively moves the frame between a vertically lowered position and the vertically raised position.

Abstract: A pallet loading and unloading system is provided wherein the pallet has a low friction surface and a sheet of thin, tough plastic is placed over such surface and the load is placed on the plastic. The pallet is unloaded by placing it on the ground, raising one end and moving off with the pallet whereby the load slides and remains on said plastic sheet, permitting retrieval and reuse of the pallet.

Abstract: The bale handling attachment is adapted to be pivotally mounted on the pivoted vertically movable lift arms of a usual tractor three-point hitch and includes a pair of tine members that have limited downward pivotal movement, relative to the lift arms, to positions extended longitudinally of the lift arms. When the lift arms are lowered, the tine members are pivotally movable upwardly, relative to the lift arms, to horizontal ground engaged positions for following the ground contour to locations at opposite sides of the bottom portion of a bale to be handled. An upright push plate has the bottom edge thereof rideable on the upper surfaces of the tine members, and is movable from a rest position at the inner ends of the tine members, to a bale unloading position adjacent the outer ends thereof to provide for bales being stored in a double tier, one on top of the other.

Abstract: A round bale carrier is provided for use on a three-point hitch tractor, said apparatus having an elongate frame member with a vertical center post and couplings on the center post and frame member for attachment to the three-point hitch, a plurality of elongate tines pivoted on the frame member and extending normally parallel to the direction of tractor travel, non-rotation means on the tines and means on the frame member for independently pivoting each tine in a vertical plane around its pivot on the frame member.

Abstract: This invention relates to fork lifts, and has as its object the provision of angular attachable extensions to the forks by means of which the operator can pick up or deposit loads at levels below that of the floor on which the fork lift is operating, as for example, from the ground or from the floor of a pickup truck which may be several feet below the warehouse floor.

Abstract: In a cargo-transfer system wherein a truck-mounted boom is extendable into a cargo space to manipulate a cargo-lift mechanism, the improvement comprising a lowerable roller mechanism carried by the lift mechanism to slightly elevate the mechanism from the cargo space floor, thereby transferring the cargo weight to the floor, thus relieving the load that would otherwise have to be carried by the outboard end of the boom. The invention permits greater cargo weights and/or a greater extension of the boom, and/or a lighter and cheaper boom, and/or a lower cost power system.

Abstract: A truck of the kind provided with tines by which goods can be lifted and conveyed is provided, in which the tines are arranged to co-act with apparatus for regulating the horizontal distance therebetween. The apparatus comprises a screw-threaded spindle with which sleeves mounted on the tines co-act. Rotation of the spindle causes the tines to move towards or away from each other. The spindle is provided at its center or in the neighborhood thereof with right-hand and left-hand screw threads. The sleeve of one tine has a corresponding right-hand screw thread and the sleeve of the other tine has a corresponding left-hand screw thread. The spindle is arranged to co-operate with a shaft. Between the shaft and the spindle apparatus is arranged which causes the spindle to rotate in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the shaft, and which permits lateral displacement (axial displacement) of the spindle relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A parallel arm clamp assembly having longitudinally-movable elongate slide members mountable transversely on the front of a lift truck and attaching members for connecting relatively narrow opposing clamp arms to the ends of the slide members so as to extend perpendicular thereto. Each slide member has an elongate rear portion longitudinally mounted within a slide guide and a longitudinally-extending elongate front portion external of the respective guide protruding forwardly therefrom, the elongate front portions of the respective slide members intersecting a common plane extending vertically and longitudinally with respect to the slide members. The clamp arm attaching members each have a pair of legs formed monolithically and homogeneously into a single member with the legs oriented at substantially a 90.degree. angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: A lift attachment for a lift truck or other vehicle or support having a vertically adjustable lift bar. The lift attachment includes a housing with upright side walls which bear against the lift bar, a top flange and a bottom mount block which receives and supports one end of a forwardly extending lift rod for supporting coiled goods. The top flange has an upper catch bar extending downwardly and rearwardly for suspension from the top edge of the lift bar of the truck. A pair of catch plates are adjustably mounted upon the lower end of the side walls and include up-turned rearwardly extending lower catches to retainingly engage the bottom edge of the lift bar.

Abstract: A drum lifter comprises a base including a pair of parallel spaced fork tubes adapted for receiving at one end and positioning over a pair of vertically adjustable forks of a lift truck. A support plate spans the other ends of the tubes and mounts thereover a transverse support pipe with spaced stops thereon. A pair of spaced sleeves are mounted upon the pipe between the stops, each sleeve having an upright jaw support plate secured thereto. A pair of laterally spaced opposed arcuate drum-engaging jaws project forwardly from the sleeves and are pivotally mounted upon the jaw support plates for rotation upon vertical axes. A stop plate is mounted on and extends laterally outward of each jaw and is engageable with the support plate when the jaws are in a horizontal position for holding the jaws to operatively clamp a drum therebetween.

Abstract: A self loading multiple bale trailer comprises an elongated trailer frame with a belt conveyor extending from end to end and a lift fork for engagement at the lower periphery of a large round bale at the side of the trailer, for example, by forward motion of a tow vehicle. The lift fork is supported on a frame which is connected by an arm to a sleeve slidable on a verticle shaft and having an hydraulic cylinder for lifting the bale. The sleeve is also rotatable about a vertical axis to swing the lifted bale a half circle from the side of the trailer to a position over the conveyor for deposit thereon. The conveyor is operable to move the deposited bale to a desired position along the trailer, and may also be used to discharge the bale from the rear of the trailer or to reengage the lift fork with the bale. In an alternative form, the bale may be handled by a penetrating spike instead of lift fork legs, which spike may be utilized, in a quarter turn position, in unwinding the bale for feeding.

Abstract: At attachment to the fork lift tines of a standard fork lift vehicle permits the vehicle to simultaneously engage and lift two adjacent, single width pallet stacks. The attachment includes a laterally elongated frame member for supportingly cooperating with the two adjacent pallets, a pair of channeled, L-shaped, tine-receiving members for receiving the fork lift tines, and a pair of attachment tines for doubling the pallet lifting capacity of the fork lift vehicle. When the frame member is secured to the fork lift tines, the attachment tines and the fork lift tines are located in a common plane and provide two adjacent pairs of pallet lifting tines.

Abstract: There is disclosed latching instrumentalities or structure for the forks of fork lift trucks which involves forming the head of a fork with a recess, a strap member of resilient construction having a detent formed thereon to engage a notch on a fork lift truck support being mounted on the head and in conjunction with the recess, the member being operable by simple bending of a portion thereof to move the detent out of a notch and permit the fork to be moved transversely along the truck.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle maneuverable in an underground mine includes an elongated mobile body having a forward end portion with a boom assembly mounted thereon. The boom assembly includes a pair of sections that are telescopically arranged to effect a change in the length of the boom. The outer end portion of the boom carries a material handling device which is operable to perform lifting, towing, recovery and other material handling operations in the mine. A pivot arrangement supports the boom assembly for lateral swinging movement on the front end of the mobile body. A pair of double-acting piston cylinder assemblies are mounted on the mobile body and are connected to the pivot arrangement for laterally swinging the boom assembly. The boom assembly is also connected to the pivot arrangement for upward and downward pivotal movement independent of the lateral swinging movement by operation of a lift cylinder.

Abstract: A three-dimensional storage apparatus consists of a stacker truck movable along an aisle formed between opposing sets of cantilever arms at different levels projecting from a plurality of pillars disposed on each side of the aisle. The stacker truck has a vertically movable loader upon which transfer forks are pivotally mounted for displacement between an article support position and a stowed position. With the transfer forks in the stowed position the width of the stacker truck is significantly reduced thus allowing a reduction in aisle width and an increase in storage efficiency.

Abstract: A roller assembly including a plurality of rollers mounted on a base plate. A support assembly having a reinforcement structure is provided. A clamp assembly joins the roller and support assemblies, the support assembly being pivotally attached to the clamp, the clamp being operable to move the roller and support assemblies toward, or away from, each other.

Abstract: A wall-mounted fork lift has a pair of support arms hingedly affixed to support members which move up and down along a pair of guide rails mounted on a vertical wall. The support arms are mounted for movement to a rest position in close proximity with the wall and to an operating position perpendicular to the wall. The support arms have pallet-supporting devices extending therefrom for supporting a loaded pallet between them.