Abstract: An upright for a lift truck includes a first group of mast sections in a first stagger arrangement where a first mast section of the first group of mast sections is fixed to the lift truck. The upright further includes a second group of mast sections in a second stagger arrangement that is reverse nested inside the first stagger arrangement. Further, the upright includes a drive system for telescopingly extending and retracting the second mast sections relative to the first mast section.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is designed to provide an apparatus for placement and removal of gas containing tanks in various locations for usage or transport. The apparatus includes a transport carriage assembly with wheels for moving thereof and a generally vertical beam with an angularly positioned reinforcing member for strengthening thereof. A parallel swing brace is pivotally connected to the vertical beam and extends outwardly therefrom. A tank retaining bracket assembly is secured to the outermost end of the parallel swing brace. Holding brackets and a foot plate are secured to the parallel swing braces and define a tank holding zone. A strap secures the tank to the retaining bracket. A drive is connected to the parallel swing brace to power movement thereof in a vertical direction either upwardly or downwardly as needed.

Abstract: A robot for handling rolls of web material, is disclosed. The robot includes an articulated arm (60), moving according to a plurality of numerically controlled axes and supporting a suction head (61A).

Abstract: A roller for moving, rolling and unrolling rolls of sod. The roller is generally comprised of a top portion including a side shift actuator and at least one attachment member for attachment to a vehicle, preferably a skid steer. The roller also includes a rotary actuator with a shaft, slidably attached to the top portion. A main frame consisting of a top member, side member, base member and an end gate, extends down from the shaft of the rotary actuator. The end gate of the main frame is configured to pivot open and closed. The main frame is configured to rotate with the shaft.

Abstract: A barrel placement device for a skid steer loader is comprised of an attachment plate which attaches to the front of a skid steer loader; tubular support members; and a plurality of barrel pincers with gears that allow the barrel pincers to move in unison with the use of a single hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder has hydraulic lines which connect to the auxiliary controls of a skid steer loader allowing the barrel pincers to be controlled to grasp and release traffic barrels from the interior of the skid steer loader.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting elongated substrates through a vacuum coating system comprises an essentially rectangular frame and two groups of holding elements, which are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the frame in such a manner that any pair of opposite holding elements can be connected to both ends of a substrate. Furthermore, at least one retainer bar is provided that is operatively connected to a group of holding elements in such a manner that the holding elements of this group are moveable in order to increase or decrease by choice their distance from the holding elements of the other group. Also provided are a loading and unloading device for loading and unloading the transport device, and a method for loading and unloading the transport device.

Abstract: A casing pipe and drill rod handler for joining the drill rod in a casing pipe. A pipe sled is provided on a drilling rig, the pipe sled comprising an elongated track with a cart slidably mounted on the track to accommodate the casing pipe. A drill rod guide is provided at one end of the track to guide a drill rod as it is positioned and then inserted into the casing pipe.

Abstract: A crane hook assembly and methods of use for safely lifting large conduits, such as wind generator tower sections. The hook assembly includes a steel frame member and a support member forwardly extending from the front surface of the frame member. The support member cooperates with the frame member to engage and retain an annular flange of the tower section. The hook assembly is secured onto the tower section with a securing mechanism, preferably using a rack and pinion gear assembly to actuate a locking pin. The sliding, retractable, locking pin may be actuated such that it is movable between an unlocked position and a locking position, such that the locking pin is positioned horizontally over the tower section when in the locked position and the locking pin is fully retracted from the front surface when the locking pin is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reorienting a toroidally shaped core configured to carry a green tire. The core includes a central axis defined through first and second oppositely facing tapered recesses respectively including first and second locking mechanisms. The apparatus includes a core support structure including a base and a reorientation member connected for movement relative to said base and a core coupling member. The core coupling member connects for movement with the reorientation member and includes a core locking mechanism that couples with the core coupling member and locks the core coupling member to the core. A drive system couples with the reorientation member and operatively moves the reorientation member so as to change the orientation of the central axis from a first orientation to a second, different orientation transverse to the first orientation.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting and transporting a conventional hay bale feeder in association with the directed movement of a round hay bale and for facilitating the placement of the feeder around the bale. The device can be removably attached to the feeder and consists of a lift arm assembly, a lift arm support assembly, and an anti-slide stabilizing assembly. The lift arm assembly includes a lift arm that is angled away from the top of the feeder to provide feeder lift. The lift arm support assembly acts as a brace to support the lift arm. The anti-slide stabilizing assembly limits rearward and side to side rocking movement of the feeder when lifted and transported, respectively. In alternate embodiments, the device is integrated into circular and multi-sided feeders during manufacture, forming single stand-alone units.

Abstract: In an apparatus for handling rolls of web material, a shaft bearing one or more fully wound rolls of web material thereon are supported from one end in a cantilever support. An external mandrel is aligned with a free end of the shaft. A roll-moving device is positioned to shift the rolls axially along the shaft away from the supported end of the shaft. The roll-moving device shifts the rolls of web material off the shaft and onto the aligned external mandrel, shaft or other support device. The weight of the roll of web material is borne by the shaft and external mandrel throughout the transfer. Once the shaft is removed, the rolls of web material can be handled during further processing from the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting and transporting a conventional hay bale feeder in association with the directed movement of a round hay bale and for facilitating the placement of the feeder around the bale. The device is removably attached to the feeder and consists of a lift arm assembly, a lift arm support assembly, and an anti-slide stabilizing assembly. The lift arm assembly includes a lift arm that is angled away from the top of the feeder to provide feeder lift. The lift arm support assembly acts as a brace to support the lift arm. The anti-slide stabilizing assembly limits rearward and side to side rocking movement of the feeder when lifted and transported, respectively. In alternate embodiments, the device is integrated into circular and multi-sided feeders during manufacture, forming single stand-alone units.

Abstract: A spool handling device (10) for engaging and disengaging a spool (5) having, a base (14), a spindle (15) supported by the base and adapted to receive the spool, a latch assembly (74) pivotally mounted relative to the base and including a latch (76) for releasably securing the spool on the spindle, and an ejection arm (77) for assisting in removal of the spool from the spindle.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting, rolling and unrolling ground covers broadly includes an elongate framework, a spindle supported by the framework to mount one or more rolls of material, one or more ground wheels, and split bearings located toward the ends of the framework for receiving and supporting the roll-carrying spindles. The split bearings each include an upper part which is openable to enable the split bearing to receive and secure the end of the spindle. Preferably, the framework includes one or more parts, such as support members, which are operable to pivot about the framework so that the angle of the axis of the spindle is adjustable.

Abstract: After a roll supply carriage housing rolls in a light-shielded case is coupled to a film manufacturing apparatus, shutters are opened, and a roll retainer shaft and a roll loading shaft are connected to each other. A motor in a roll transferring apparatus is energized to transfer one of the rolls into the roll transferring apparatus. Then, a rotary table is turned to supply the transferred roll to a given region in the film manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: An internal tube gripping device having first and second gripping arms including elongated sections with a central axis and gripping ends attached thereto and angled sections extending non-parallel to the central axis and including connecting ends attached thereto. Pivotally attached to the first and second gripping arms are separately formed first and second link members each having first and second ends. At least one tensioning member is connected to the second ends of the first and second link members.

Abstract: An improved downender device for translating heavy objects such as steel coils from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration. Comprises a downender transport table having a center channel, a drive chain disposed in said center channel, and an arbor for receiving heavy objects. The arbor may extend and retract without interfering with the drive chain, which includes a series of catchers for pushing the heavy objects along a table of rollers.

Abstract: Non-symmetrical molded articles, such as large preforms, are handled by a handling system into which an array of molded articles are transferred from a mold having a pitch separation The handling system has an arranging station configured to receive and align a first set of molded articles, which arranging station is further configured to receive and align a second set of molded articles in an opposingly orientated direction to the first set. To reduce the pitch separation, the arranging station includes a closure mechanism that brings together the first and second sets of molded articles in a substantially linear array. Once in the linear array, a handling device operates to pick up and crate the linear array of preforms. Transfer and pick-up of the preforms can be accomplished using a multi-function, multi-axis robot that supports take-out tubes and suction pads.

Abstract: An internal tube gripping device having first and second gripping arms including elongated sections with a central axis and gripping ends attached thereto and angled sections extending non-parallel to the central axis and including connecting ends attached thereto. Pivotally attached to the first and second gripping arms are separately formed first and second link members each having first and second ends. At least one tensioning member is connected to the second ends of the first and second link members.

Abstract: A coil handling device for engaging a coil having a depth and an interior surface defining a diameter and defining a longitudinal axis, is configured to engage the coil with the longitudinal axis oriented vertically and reorient the coil to position the longitudinal axis horizontally. The handling device includes a transport assembly, a lift assembly and a manipulating assembly. The manipulating assembly is mounted to the lift assembly and includes a pair of spaced apart support arms and a pivoting carriage carried by the support arms. The carriage includes a locking arm for engaging the interior surface of the coil along the depth of the coil and a thrust lever including a bearing arm and a lever arm disposed at an obtuse angle to one another opposite the locking arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting, rotating, and positioning heavy objects using a toggle device attached to a prime mover. The toggle is vertical at rest and can be inserted into the opening in the side of a pipe. The toggle is rendered horizontal inside the pipe by the activation of a solenoid and the pipe can then be lifted by the prime mover. The pipe can be rotated to any desired fixed position by a hydraulic cylinder moving a piston through a piston sleeve having spiral grooves. The entire lifting and positioning of a heavy object with the toggle device can be completed by a single user operating from within the prime mover.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a vehicle for handling coils (2), particularly sheet metal coils, or the like. According to the invention, the vehicle comprises a bridgelike frame structure (1) which forms a tunnel (3) all along the vehicle, for the passage of coils (2) while they lay on the ground, having height and width dimensions slightly greater than the corresponding dimensions of the coils (2), means (18) for griping the coils (2) and means (10) for lifting the coils (2). In accordance with an advantageous improvement, the tunnel (3) is at least partly upwardly open, to allow the coils (2) to be lifted above the height of the tunnel (3). The invention also addresses a combination of the vehicle with a store for coils (2), wherein coils (2) are arranged axially side-by-side on rows (A, B, C, D), whose distance from each other depends on the wheel gauge of the vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement for exchanging empty bobbins with full bobbins includes a creel having lateral delivery positions for holding filament-carrying bobbins for delivery of filaments to a textile machine. Disposed above the creel is a bobbin carrier which has several transport positions for bobbins and is moveably guided in a rail for travel in suspended disposition along a travel path. Transfer units are positioned on either side of the creel for transferring bobbins between the creel and the bobbin carrier and include an upright moveable along the creel and at least one support moveable along the upright and having receptacles for the bobbins. The receptacles are moveable horizontally relative to the support, wherein the delivery positions of the creel that neighbor the transfer unit are provided at a number and at a distance which corresponds to a number of and a vertical distance of the transport positions on the bobbin carrier.

Abstract: In a device according to the invention for the automatic charging of processing stations (1) with printing cylinders (9) a number of charging stations (2) is provided, each being designed as input location for entering the printing cylinder (9) into the device, as storing location for storing the printing cylinder (9) before and after processing, and as output location for delivering the printing cylinder (9) from the device after processing. The printing cylinders (9) may each be supplied to the processing station (1) by means of a crane (3) without being required that the operator must wait at the device until the crane has terminated its operation.

Abstract: Device to automatically attach a first bobbin-bearing mandrel (11) to a second mandrel (15) of a machine, wherein the first mandrel (11) and the second mandrel (15) have substantially the same outer diameter and are suitable to be inserted selectively into the central hole of the bobbin (13), coupling member (40, 50) being provided on the first mandrel (11) to selectively couple with the second mandrel (15), to allow the coaxial transfer of the bobbin (13) from one to the other of the mandrels (11 and 15).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a handling device for loading and unloading a sheet metal coil. The sheet metal coil may be loaded or unloaded from a storage pallet to a machine such as reel without manual handling in a safe manner for the operator and the material, using an apparatus such as a fork lift truck. This handling device has a gripping member for gripping the coil and a frame bearing the gripping member by a first pivoting pin. The handle device is mounted on a lift truck table by a second pivoting pin. The device also has a controller coupled with the frame designed to move between an inoperative position where the gripping member is placed inside a fixed mast and an operative position where the gripping member is lowered between one or more forks.

Abstract: Concentric, tubular sections are assembled by first securing annular centralizers and insulation about the external surface of the smaller diameter tube while the tube is horizontally disposed. The larger tube is then vertically aligned and lowered into a recessed area formed below the assembly area work level. A lifting cable, secured at one end to a lifting device, is extended through the smaller diameter tube and attached to a hoisting arrangement that vertically orients the tube concentrically over the larger diameter tube. Spring-loaded legs on the lifting device are manually retracted radially to permit the smaller tube to be lowered concentrically through the larger tube. The inner tube is lowered until the legs spring radially outwardly to engage the base of the larger tube. The entire assembly may then be lifted as a unit by the hoist with the lifting device, establishing the axial positions of the two tubes relative to each other.

Abstract: A coil handling device for engaging a coil having a depth and an interior surface defining a diameter and defining a longitudinal axis, is configured to engage the coil with the longitudinal axis oriented vertically and reorient the coil to position the longitudinal axis horizontally. The handling device includes a transport assembly, a lift assembly and a manipulating assembly. The manipulating assembly is mounted to the lift assembly and includes a pair of spaced apart support arms and a pivoting carriage carried by the support arms. The carriage includes a locking arm for engaging the interior surface of the coil along the depth of the coil and a thrust lever including a bearing arm and a lever arm disposed at an obtuse angle to one another opposite the locking arm.

Abstract: Streetlight poles are lifted to a vertical position for installation in a mounting hole or on a support stand by connecting the lift cable of a boom to an elongate sling that is releasably attached to the pole.

Abstract: An installation is described for hardening tubular concrete workpieces (1) in chambers (2) which are open at the top, can be closed with cover plates (3) and can be subjected to vapor and which can be charged with the aid of an overhead travelling crane (6) bearing a hoist (9) for workpieces (1). In order to achieve an advantageous construction constellation it is recommended that the overhead travelling crane (6) for the workpieces (1) has a gripping device for the cover plates (3) of the chambers (2).

Abstract: A line up and connection installation comprises an elongated pipe receiving structure, a line up device for lining up double-walled pipes or pipe components and a connection station for connecting the lined up pipes or pipe components. The line up device has at least two gripper means. The gripper means are each movable in translation in a plane which lies substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe receiving structure. At least one of the gripper means is movable in the axial direction of the pipe receiving structure. The line up device positions a first pipe or component in such a manner with respect to a second pipe or component that they can be connected to one another at their ends in a connection station.

Abstract: A bearing journal (21), which is introduced into a central opening (22) in the reel (10) and is anchored releasably inside a reel core (11), serves for automatically receiving reels (10). Provided for the connection between the bearing journal (21) and the reel core (11) are clamping webs (23) which are extended laterally and take up a connection with the inner side of the reel core (11) in a non-positive and/or positive-locking manner. The bearing journal (21) is provided with a plurality of mechanical monitoring members which indicate any incorrect position of the bearing journal (21). The movements of the bearing journal (21) are controlled automatically by means of a camera (38).

Abstract: Device to automatically attach a first bobbin-bearing mandrel (11) to a second mandrel (15) of a machine, wherein the first mandrel (11) and the second mandrel (15) have substantially the same outer diameter and are suitable to be inserted selectively into the central hole of the bobbin (13), coupling means (40, 50) being provided on the first mandrel (11) to selectively couple with the second mandrel (15), to allow the coaxial transfer of the bobbin (13) from one to the other of said mandrels (11 and 15).

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a roll of material having a cylindrical bore from a vertical position on a surface to a horizontal position at a height above the surface includes a support mandrel for positioning in the bore in advance of moving the roll. An expansion assembly cooperates with the support mandrel for varying a lateral dimension of the support mandrel between a bore insertion dimension at which the support mandrel is inserted into and withdrawn from the bore, and a bore engaging dimension at which the support mandrel engages the walls of the roll defining the bore and locks the support mandrel and the roll together against relative movement. A swivel assembly to which the support mandrel is connected, rotates the support mandrel from the vertical position to the horizontal position. The swivel assembly is vertically moveable along a stanchion, enabling positioning of the roll at a desired height.

Abstract: An adjustable coupling connector apparatus for accommodating a range of mating excavator couplers. The connector apparatus includes two parallel bars upon which an excavator coupler clamps. One of the bars is fixed in position to risers extending from a connector base. Each end of the other bar is attached to a point off center of a circular plate so that as the plate is rotated, the bar moves laterally relative to the bar axis. The plates are rotatably positioned in holes in the risers, and captivating side plates are welded to the risers for covering a portion of each plate, securing the plates from movement parallel to its axis but allowing the plate to rotate. Holes in the circular plates and side plates are provided, and a bolt is placed through each of the side plates and circular plates for securing each circular plate in a fixed position.

Abstract: A tool for attachment to a working end of an excavator arm for use in supporting a pipe section while lowering it into a trench. The tool has a proximal end from which extends an elongated arm, held in an approximately horizontal position when in use. A vertical riser is attached to the arm at the proximal end, and an upper end of the riser is attached to a quick coupling connector for attachment to a corresponding mating quick coupling on the working end of an excavator arm. A lateral support, extending from each side of the tool is included, making the tool self supporting in a vertical position on level ground in a position ready for connection to an excavator arm. A further embodiment includes the combination of the tool as described above with a leveling device attached to an excavator, a combination that provides precision alignment and joining of pipe lengths in a trench.

Abstract: A robotic tire end effector apparatus and system including a method for picking up and placing tires positioned horizontally onto vertical stacks of tires. The apparatus and system includes a totem support assembly having a support housing and support bars capable of bearing against the inside diameter of a tire bead and a bottom assembly mounted to the support housing of the totem support assembly. The bottom assembly includes pivot arms and fingers. The fingers are capable of bearing against the inside diameter of the tire bead and supporting the weight of the tire. The support bars are also capable of supporting the weight of a tire. The system includes a computer and program capable of receiving data from the tires for identification, tracing tire location, allocation, pick optimization and continuous calculation of sorting and pick options.

Abstract: An assemblage for aligning a roll to a chucking device has at least two flexibly movable, spaced roll support members arranged planarily for supporting the roll for alignment with a fixed positioned chucking device. Each roll support member has a compression head biased for movement by a plurality of cooperating spring members. Precise alignment of the core with the chucking device results from the force imparted to the flexibly movable support member bearing the roll by the chucking device engaging the core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for racking or unracking pipe to or from a rack and a device to facilitate the process. The method provides a controllable procedure for inserting or withdrawing the pipe that is less dangerous than prior art methods and does not damage the pipe end. The method entails inserting a pipe gripper having an expansion sleeve into an accessible end of a pipe. The expansion sleeve is forced against an inner wall of the pipe, coupling the pipe gripper to the pipe. Depending upon the application, the pipe is then either pushed fully onto the rack or is pulled partially off the rack. For unracking operations, a crane sling is attached to the partially unracked pipe and the pipe is further manipulated off the rack.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are disclosed for moving an elongate object such as a pipe between lowered and raised positions, preferably while rotating the object to maintain its shape. The system and method use two apparatuses, an upender and a downender for moving the pipe between lowered and raised positions. The upender tilts a lowered pipe received from a casting machine to the raised position and places the raised pipe on a support station. The pipe is rotated while on the upender through at least part of the range of travel. The upright pipe on the support station may be moved through an annealing furnace and then the downender may lift the pipe from the support station and tilt it downward toward the horizontal while rotating the pipe through part of the range of travel. The lowered pipe is then pushed off of the downender by kick off arms.

Abstract: Device to automatically attach a first bobbin-bearing mandrel (11) to a second mandrel (15) of a machine, wherein the first mandrel (11) and the second mandrel (15) have substantially the same outer diameter and are suitable to be inserted selectively into the central hole of the bobbin (13), coupling mechanism (40, 50) being provided on the first mandrel (11) to selectively couple with the second mandrel (15), to allow the coaxial transfer of the bobbin (13) from one to the other of the mandrels (11 and 15).

Abstract: A multi-purpose hand cart for permitting a single user to transport a variety of heavy loads. The multi-purpose hand cart includes a rear base frame having a spaced apart pair of side members and an elongate rear cross member connecting the side members of the rear base frame together. A pair of wheel assemblies each having a rear member and a wheel rotatably mounted to the rear member of the respective wheel assembly. The back end of a first of the side members of the rear base frame is coupled to the front end of the rear member of a first of the wheel assemblies. The back end of a second of the side members of the rear base frame is coupled to the front end of the rear member of a second of the wheel assemblies. A pair of front members are also provided. The back end of a first of the front members is coupled to the front end of the first side member of the rear base frame. The back end of a second of the front members is coupled to the front end of the second side member of the rear base frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and process of loading rolls of roofing material onto a stationary pallet, wherein the process performs a series of operations. Each operation includes the steps of: (a) loading a roll of roofing material onto a table rotatably mounted on an upender, wherein the table is in a loading position such that the roll of roofing material rests on the table in a generally horizontal position; (b) rotating the table to a generally vertical position, thereby orienting the roll of roofing material to a generally vertical position; (c) moving the upender to an unloading position above the pallet; and (d) unloading the roll of roofing material from the table onto the pallet. The pallet is positioned stationary relative to the loading position of the table throughout the process.

Abstract: A mobile machine for lifting massive objects which includes a primary hydraulic cylinder whose piston chamber is hydraulically connected on a high pressure end thereof to a high pressure end of one or more secondary hydraulic lifting cylinders for operation of the lifting cylinder(s) in unison to lift the object. The total maximum effective volume of the piston chamber(s) of the secondary cylinder(s) is at least equal to the maximum effective volume of the piston chamber of the primary cylinder. The sum total effective cross-sectional area of all of the secondary cylinder piston chambers is greater than the corresponding cross-sectional area of the primary cylinder chamber to provide an output lifting force of the secondary cylinder(s) which is greater than the input force applied to a piston rod of the primary cylinder necessary to transfer hydraulic fluid from the primary cylinder to the secondary cylinder(s) to produce the enhanced output lifting force.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for storing and conveying standing, tubular workpieces (1) made of concrete in layers arranged one above the other, comprising a load pick-up device (6) to be connected to a hoist (2) and designed for at least two workpieces (1), which load pick-up device consists of a holding frame (11) extending above the workpieces (1) to be picked up and of holding arms (14) encompassing the workpieces (1) on the outside, which holding arms are mounted on the holding frame (11) so as to be movable transverse to the workpieces (1) and engage below a flange (15) of a bottom ring (16) of the workpieces (1), and comprising storage racks (21) to be coupled individually to the load pick-up device (6) and bridging the workpieces in the manner of a portal for accommodating the workpieces (1) in a further layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for picking up a single compact disc from a stack of compact discs wherein each disc has a hub. A plurality of members are inserted into a center bore of the disc stack, which is defined by the hubs of the discs. The top disc in the stack is separated from the stack when a sufficient number of members are in contact with the hub of the disc and a radial force is exerted on the hub.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for automated sorting or articles such as railroad wheels. After the wheels are inspected and designated as fitting a particular category, the wheels are moved to a transfer car and the wheel and transfer car are moved to a wheel pick up station, where an overhead hoist awaits. As the wheel and transfer car are moved, a hook portion of the hoist is received in the wheel axles hole. The hoist raises the wheel out of the transfer car and then the hoist and wheel move laterally to a wheel drop off station corresponding with the category of the wheel. A shuttle car with an empty wheel receiving slots is below each wheel drop off station. The hoist lowers the wheel into the aligned wheel slot of the appropriate shuttle car for that category of wheel. After the wheel is deposited in the slot, the shuttle car indexes away from the hoist, freeing the wheel and hoist from one another. The hoist is then raised and returned to the wheel pick up station.

Abstract: A transfer system including a roll holder having an upright member with a support member extending in a cantilevered fashion outward from the upright member with the support member including a set of rollers for rollably supporting a roll of material thereon and a detachably mounted roll stop for connecting to the support member so that when the roll of material is to be placed on the support member the roll stop can be readily detached to permit placing the roll of material on the support member and can be readily attached to the support member to prevent the roll of material on the support member from accidentally rolling off the support member.