Abstract: A bale transporter (1) for transporting four rows (3) of bales (2) comprises a chassis (5), a first framework (20) mounted on the chassis (5) for carrying a lower two of the rows (3) of bales (2), and a secondary framework (26) for carrying an upper two of rows (3) of bales (2). A pair of transfer elements (60) are pivotally coupled to the chassis (5) about respective first pivot axes (61) between a first state for picking up bales from the ground, and a second state for transferring the bales onto the main and secondary frameworks (20) and (26). The secondary framework (26) is urgeable between a first state adjacent the main framework (20) and a raised second state spaced apart above the secondary framework (26). Initially, with the secondary framework (26) in the first state, two rows (3) of bales (2) are picked up by the transfer elements (60) and transferred onto the secondary framework (26) which is then urged upwardly into the second state.

Abstract: Provided is a storage device for a mail-handling machine. The storage device includes a mailpiece-receiving deck along a longitudinal edge of which a referencing wall extends, and through which a conveyor belt passes for the purpose of conveying mailpieces along the referencing wall from an inlet of the device towards a sloping surface against which the mailpieces accumulate, and a skid-forming part that is supported by a structure secured to the storage device and that comes to press against said stack of mailpieces substantially over the entire length of said stack, so as to jog the top of the stack.

Abstract: Aspects of embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a method of stacking disk-shaped substrates for polishing without using a centering shaft and an apparatus for implementing the method. A stack of disk-shaped substrates can be concentrically aligned without contacting the inside circumferential surfaces of the disk-shaped substrates by applying pressure to the outside edges of the disk-shaped substrates in different lateral directions.

Abstract: A golf ball stacking device comprises a hollow, elongated body formed of three panels of clear, flexible plastic sheet material connected together at ends to form a hollow tube having an hourglass shape and a generally triangular cross section. Each panel has relatively wide upper and lower ends and a relatively narrow neck portion positioned between the ends. The neck portions are bowed inwardly to form a relatively narrow arcuate throat for balls to pass between larger upper and lower chambers of the body. The upper chamber comprises an inlet for receiving golf balls. The lower chamber comprises a stacking chamber for stacking the golf balls in a triangular pyramid. The panels are not rigidly connected together at the throat, so that the panels surrounding the throat can flex outwardly to prevent ball clogging in the throat. Slots in the side edges permit manipulation of the balls inside the device. A removable flat tray fits under the body and supports a triangular pyramidal stack of balls on the tray.

Abstract: A golf ball stacking and dispensing apparatus comprising a hopper having two pyramidal shells each of different dimensions. Each of the shells is truncated and has a respective open substantially rectangular rim defining a respective open base of a different dimension than that of the other. The shells are joined together where each is truncated so as to converge together and define a funnel opening between the shells. Each of the shells is configured to form a self-supporting stack of golf balls atop each other as a stacking tray closes the open base of one of the shells and the golf balls are poured through the other of the shells. A method of forming different size pyramidal stacks of golf balls by pouring golf balls through one pyramidal shell of a hopper to fill the other pyramidal shell thereof.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing device includes a placement unit for placing sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus, an offset unit for successively offsetting an edge of each sheet on the placement unit, and a saddle stitching unit for saddle stitching a stack of the sheets with the edge of each sheet shifted by the offset unit. The sheet post-processing device may include a folding unit for folding the stack of the sheets along a line where the sheets are stitched.

Abstract: A cart loading system for loading materials on a cart in a orderly and compact manner even if the materials being loaded have different dimensions. The cart loading system includes a frame for positioning on a floor surface adjacent to a material shaping table, and at least one material support arm assembly for moving a piece of material from the material shaping table to a position over the frame. A carriage assembly is provided for moving a material cart in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the frame, and includes a subframe movable in the second direction on the frame and a shuttle mounted movable in the first direction with respect to the subframe. A first moving assembly is provided for moving the shuttle in the first direction on the subframe, and a second moving assembly is provided for moving the carriage assembly in the second direction on the frame. A detection assembly detects movement of material on the support arm assembly and generates a detection signal.