Abstract: A rug hoist and method of use thereof enables a single operator to conveniently and safely suspend a rug from an elevated display rack. In a presently preferred embodiment, the hoist includes a pneumatically operated telescoping lift having a carriage with a V-shaped trough mounted on top thereof. The rug to be suspended on the display rack is rolled into a tubular configuration and mounted onto the carriage. The pneumatic lift then elevates the rug toward an upper mounting bar of the display rack so that a free edge of the rug can be safely and conveniently clipped to the mounting bar by a single individual. Once it is attached to the display rack, the rug hoist lowers the carriage and thereby unrolls the rug into a planar and generally vertical orientation for display on the rack.

Abstract: A fork-lift apparatus for use in a stacker crane has a running apparatus for traveling forward and backward and a carriage provided with a fork device and arranged for upward and downward movements by a lift apparatus for the purpose of carrying a load with the fork device to and from a desired rack in a multi-tier automatic warehouse. In particular, the carriage has at its lower region a swivel device, a swivel frame driven by the swivel device for rotating movement, and a ram fork provided in the swivel frame as driven by a drive device for movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for stopping a roll set, quickly in a controlled fashion. Typically, such a roll set is comprised of a plurality of rolls which is launched from a slitter wherefrom it is rolled along a downward ramp to a conveyor. On the downward ramp, on the side of the conveyor opposite the ramp is a number of adjacent stop gages suited for being controlled to a home position and an operating position, respectively. For each roll, a required number of the stop gages located along the rolling path of the roll is selected to operate, while the rest of the stop gages are left in their home positions. In this fashion, each roll can be stopped individually even when the rolls move simultaneously and, moreover, the stopping force can be adjusted separately for each roll.

Abstract: Converts any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. A safety chain is incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power hoist, with load sensing brake, and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift, which continuously grips the core firmly, in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the hoist cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the hoist cable is activated.

Abstract: A printing machine spindle lifting and transporting cart is described, for lifting and transporting printing machine spindles. The cart includes a cart frame with upright sides extending between front and back side edges. The upright sides further include a top spindle support surface. Wheels are positioned under the cart frame and for movably supporting the cart frame on a support surface. The wheels are situated adjacent the front and back side edges. A lift frame includes a lift handle adjacent the back side edges, and upstanding spindle engaging hooks are situated at a forward handle end. A spindle ramp surface extends from the hook toward the handle. The hook projects forwardly of the cart frame.

Abstract: An arrangement for the transportation of goods, such as paper rolls, having a load carrier which includes a goods-carrying bottom plate.The arrangement includes a lifting post (4) which is upstanding centrally from the bottom plate (2) and by which a loaded load-carrier can be lifted.

Abstract: Reels are fed in succession to a user machine by means of a feeder device which has at least one replaceable cartridge-type magazine, in which a stem that extends from a support suitable to be placed in a specific reference position with respect to the user machine slidingly engages a plurality of reels that can be removed in succession from the stem by means of a transfer unit which is interposed between the cartridge magazine and the user machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling reels of webs of material includes a reel conveyor (35), having a downwardly directed supporting journal (41) which can be accurately positioned, serves which for handling reels (10) formed from a wound web of material, especially from packaging material. The supporting journal enters a central orifice (11) of the reel (10) and engages the reel. The supporting journal (41) is accurately alignable with the respective position of the reel (10) or a working journal (33) of a packaging machine or the like by separately operable pressure medium cylinders (47, 48, 49). The working journal (33) at the packaging machine is driven rotatably and, at the same time, tiltably between an upright position and two opposed horizontal positions.

Abstract: A four-wheeled vehicle which allows a user to carry and distribute a bale of hay. The vehicle includes a rotatable table, i.e. a turntable, and a frame. The frame includes axles and spindles for the attachment of wheels and bearings for the rotative support of the turntable. The turntable rotates along four support bearings disposed near its periphery and a thrust bearing disposed near the center of the turntable. Steering is accomplished by pivoting a handle attached to the front axle, above which is a pair of six inch discs pivotally engaged to each other by a pin. The discs distribute the load and reduce the force on the pin, i.e. pivot point, thereby resulting in an easily steered vehicle.

Abstract: A sod harvesting apparatus (10) is disclosed including a cut-off device (14), a cutting unit (16) and a roll-up and core carrying device (18) mounted to a tractor (12). The cut-off device (14) includes an H-shaped slide (20) including a blade (26) pivotably attached thereto, slideably movable in tubes (30) from a cutting position to a raised position against the bias of springs (32) in the tubes (30) by a hydraulic cylinder (36), and latched in the raised position by a mechanism (38). The cutting unit (16) includes a blade assembly (66) pivotably mounted to a frame (52) and vibrated at a high frequency and low amplitude by vibrating devices (84) mounted on the frame (70) of the blade assembly (66). A roller drum (90) extends between first and second lever arms (92) pivotably mounted to the frame (52) and pivoted by electric actuators (96). The roll-up device (18) includes first and second arms (110,112) carrying cone-shaped spindles (120) pivotably mounted to the opposite ends of a bar (114).

Abstract: An apparatus for loading reels into a packaging machine comprises a loading device that has a post rotating about a vertical axis under the actuation of a drive unit; a lifting element, which is provided with elements for supporting a reel to be loaded and is guided so that it can slide longitudinally with respect to the post and can move under the actuation of an additional drive unit between a lowered position for picking up the reel and a raised position for transferring the reel to the packaging machine; and sensors for controlling respectively the angular rotation of the post and the coordinated longitudinal sliding movement of the lifting element.

Abstract: Device for loading and unloading cops in textile apparatus for winding yarn of the type comprising a cop-holder arm suitable for picking up a cop, supporting it during the yarn winding operation and transferring it at the end of the operation of yarn winding; the device comprises a guide element for the sliding of the cops which extends from the area of pick-up and transfer of the cops and which moves and can be positioned, driven by a suitable drive mechanism, in a first upper position wherein it defines a loading guide for empty cops and in a second lower position wherein it defines a unloading guide for full cops. Elements are also provided for stopping and positioning the empty cops sliding on the loading guide of the empty cops in a suitable position for pick-up by the cop-holder arm of the textile machine.

Abstract: An assist mechanism for installing a web-type media supply into an imagesetter allows a single user to automatically lift and position a large format media supply cassette containing a supply roll from a reloading location remote from the imagesetter to a docking location in the imagesetter. The assist mechanism comprises a roll-up cart having a support bracket mounted on the top a telescopic column with two arms for supporting the supply cassette. The cart is positioned adjacent to the remote location at which time a foot switch on the cart is used to actuate the telescopic column to vertically raise and lower the support bracket. The bracket arms hook under the ends of a supply roll bearing supporting the supply roll, to lift the media supply from the surface. The cart is then rolled to the docking location of the imagesetter and the assist mechanism is actuated by the foot switch to vertically adjust the telescopic column supporting the support bracket.

Abstract: A lift truck pivot frame paper roll handling clamp assembly for engaging and moving paper rolls of varying diameter. The clamp has a mounting frame that is rotatably mounted on a lifting apparatus of the lift truck. A pair of sub-frames are pivotally attached to the mounting frame by four pivot arms which permit eccentrical pivoting of the sub-frame in relation to the mounting frame. This eccentric pivotal motion is essentially a guided linear side shift movement of one end of the sub-frame and guided a circular segment path at the other end thereof. This results in a turning generally about a "floating point" approximately halfway between the center of gravity of the roll and the body of the clamp. The clamp assembly also includes a pair of hydraulically actuated opposing clamp arms pivotally connected to the sub-frame for gripping paper rolls of varying diameter.

Abstract: A lightweight turntable for use in manipulating printing paper rolls of 1,500 pounds in weight or more is disclosed. The device includes a stationary base plate having one or more circular bearing raceways formed therein. A rotatable upper plate having matching raceways is fitted to the base plate with a plurality of ball bearings positioned in the upper and lower race tracks. The upper plate includes a raised circular bead or an elevated surface to direct the loading of the paper roll from the peripheral edge of the stationary base to provide easy turning of the roll. The device is manually carried and spotted at selected turning locations, as needed, to move a paper roll to a desired location.

Abstract: A roll handling apparatus for aligning and upending a plurality of rolls is disclosed. A C-hook is mounted on a vertical lifting arm. An elevated rail defines a path of travel for a travelling support which mounts the vertical lifting arm. A tiltable upender assembly is positioned adjacent the elevated rail and includes a deck assembly, opposed gates positioned on opposite sides of the deck assembly and a pivotable rear carrier assembly extending between the opposed gates. Lift cylinders are provided for tilting the deck assembly for correct alignment of the rolls. Pivot cylinders are provided for rotating the deck assembly and the carrier assembly ninety degrees to upend the correctly aligned rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and reorienting an object having an internally accessible axially extending opening, such as a pipe or a roll of plastic. The apparatus has an elongated shaft and a tapered probe attached at the lower portion thereof. A plurality of gripping members or dogs are provided for engaging the inside surface of the internal opening of the object with a force corresponding to the weight of the object so that the apparatus may be employed for lifting and reorienting the object.

Abstract: A carriage is provided for supporting a supply roll of wrap paper for use with a wrap apparatus. A spindle is cantilever mounted from one side of a frame to receive the supply roll thereon. A handle extends outwardly from the other side of the frame and may be selectively removed to allow operator access to a control panel of the wrap apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to convert any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. Two safety chains are incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power winch and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the winch cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the winch cable is activated. Even though a fork truck may be stationary, the center lift is free to guide into the roll because the roll center lift is connected to a flexible cable and flexible chain.

Abstract: A device for the lifting, manipulation and transport of heavy rolls of material from shipping containers to/and from production apparatus is disclosed. The device has a mandrel which grips rolled stock at the roll core by means of expansion inside the roll core, and manipulates the rolled stock from its shipping position to a position suitable for placement on the mandrel of equipment to utilize the rolled stock. The device allows for transport of the rolled stock from shipping or storage locations to machinery for use. The device is capable of straddling shipping pallets and the like to allow for positioning the mandrel over the rolled stock while maintaining a relatively low center of gravity. Attached to the vertical lift plate is a second plate which is capable of sideways movement of the rolled stock and the mandrel for horizontal positioning. Primary energy sources are provided by electrically powered hydraulics or manually actuated hydraulics, winches, or lead screws.

Abstract: A load receiving platform and cradle are mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis through approximately ninety degrees. A machine base is spaced upwardly from a floor surface by supports which may be embodied in load cells. A load receiving surface of the platform extends along a cantilever portion of the platform. A hydraulic cylinder, coupled to the cantilever portion of the platform, imparts rotational movement thereto. The hydraulic cylinder is part of a hydraulic system having lines communicating cylinder ends with a pressure source. One of the lines includes a piloted valve with fluid flow through the line being regulated by pilot pressure taken from the remaining line to control platform movement during an unbalanced condition of the platform.

Abstract: A gripper for handling printed product rolls and empty roll cores is used for intermittently storing printed products wound on roll cores. The gripper has a central piece (10), which is fixed to a conveying or transporting device and which carries a gripper arm star or spider (20). On the gripper arm star (20) is a substantially circular array of radially movable roll clamping devices (30) for clamping a roll or rolls (W) from the periphery thereof and core supports (40) for engaging and supporting a rosette-shaped arrangement of juxtaposed roll cores (WK). The core supports (40) are pivotable so that, in a core handling configuration of the gripper, they are positioned within the circle formed by the roll clamping devices and in a roll handling configuration of the gripper they are moved out of that circle. The movements of the gripper parts are driven by linear drives and monitored by sensors, so that the gripper can operate in a fully automated manner.

Abstract: A multi-station textile machine, especially a double twisting machine or cabling machine, has spool containers arranged adjacent to one another in rows for receiving feed spools. A guide rail of a continuously or intermittently driven endless conveyor extends about the periphery of the machine frame in close contact therewith and has spool holders for conveying the feed spools. The lowermost position of the feed spools conveyed by the spool holders defines a horizontal plane which is substantially at the same level as the plane defined by the upper side of the spool containers. The spool holders are spaced apart from one another by a distance which is three to eight times the distance between neighboring spool containers.

Abstract: A system for transporting, storing and installing flexible gymnasium floor covering is provided. The system includes a spindle for supporting a roll of floor covering, and a transporting device having a longitudinal frame, casters attached to the frame, lifting arms for lifting the spindle, linear actuators for raising and lowering the lifting arms, means for powering and controlling the linear actuators and means for storing unused spindles. A method for transporting flexible floor covering is also provided and includes the steps of placing a spindle along an unrolled piece of floor covering and rolling the floor covering up around the spindle, moving a transporting device into position so that the bearing surfaces of the lifting arm are aligned with the arms of the spindle, lifting the spindle, moving the transporting device to the desired location and lowering the spindle.

Abstract: A docking assembly (200) for docking with a vehicle (108), the vehicle having a nonrigid docking member (70) having an apparatus for positioning (124, 126, 128, 130, 132) mounted thereon. The docking assembly has a frame (202) to which is mounted a positioning slot (222) having flared walls (224) for guiding therein and securing thereto the apparatus for positioning of the vehicle to thereby dock the vehicle to the docking assembly.

Abstract: A modular storing and dispensing assembly (20) for a plurality of large containers (21) of substantial weight. The modular assembly (20) comprises a container support track mechanism (24) supporting the containers (21) for movement toward a dispensing station (26). An enclosure (27) substantially encloses the track mechanism (24) and all of the containers (21). The track mechanism (24) and the enclosure (27) are both coupled to a modular frame (32) for movement thereof as a unit. The modular frame (32) is mounted on a vehicle (23) and can be used as a free-standing storing and dispensing unit. In an embodiment, the track mechanism (24) includes a conveyor-type assembly (35) extending about a predetermined path (34) substantially along the full transverse dimension of the vehicle (23). The conveyor mechanism (35) includes a conveyor drive mechanism (105) and a flexible transport device (111) movably coupled to the drive mechanism (105).

Abstract: A multi-tier storage unit is defined by vertical array of rotary conveyors. Independently operable transfer devices for transferring devices to be stored onto selected conveyors and retreiving stored products from the conveyors are positioned at a pair of spaced points along the sides of the storage unit. The retrieval apparatus includes one or more distributors in the form of trolley systems which operate at preselected vertical levels.

Abstract: A novel mechanism is presented that is able to harvest and load and to unload and install large rolls of sod with only one worker. It is equally useful with conventional sods grown on soil as well as sods grown over an impervious surface. The device is attached by a shiftable bracket to the utility mounting plate and hydraulics of a suitable tractor, skid steer loader, or modified fork lift. It consists of a steel spear or prong attached to a clevis that rotates slightly more than 180 degrees. Cones are placed on the hinged spear and these position PVC pipe or other tubing of the same length as the sod roll desired. The spear with cone(s) and tubing is placed at a right angle, either to the left or right, of the direction of the loader and dropped to the surface at the end of a cut sheet of sod. Small protrusions or prongs on the surface of the tubing lightly grasp the sod and begin rolling it up on the tubing.

Abstract: The combined dolly and ramp assembly includes a ramp having a pair of laterally spaced arms and an inclined ramp surface interconnecting the arms adjacent one end and at an elevation for receiving a roll of web material from a pallet. The dolly includes a frame mounted on casters and which has a pair of inclined surfaces meeting at an apex centrally of the dolly. The dolly is movable into an opening between the arms 16 of the ramp to align the inclined ramp with one of the inclined surfaces of the dolly. A foot-actuated latch automatically and releasably locks the dolly and ramp to one another. The roll of web material is rolled down the ramp onto the dolly and secured by a strap to anchor points on the dolly. By releasing the latch, the dolly with the roll may be displaced to another station.

Abstract: A device for transferring paper rolls to and from a printing press includes a wheeled frame having a low profile configuration to permit entry into a confined space between adjacent roll stand in a bottom loading, community style web press. A pair of upright support members are attached to the moveable frame and each support member carries a roll shaft holder. A pair of arms are pivotally attached to the support members and are simultaneously moved by a hydraulic drive system. The arms are adapted to lift a paper roll by engaging the paper roll shaft. As the arms are raised, the roll rotatably moves along the arms to place the roll shaft in the holders on the upright support members. The arms are moved to a nearly vertical position in order to clear the structure of the press stand when the roll transfer device is moved into and out of the confined space between the presses.

Abstract: In a vehicle (10) of the type having a first frame (12), apparatus for driving and turning the vehicle (18,24), and apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load (110), and wherein the apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load is mounted on a second frame (78) having an underside having a seating surface (72) thereon, the improvement comprising:a third frame (54), supported by the first frame, for supporting the second frame on the seating surface and having mounted thereon a plurality of biasing elements (64) for contacting the second frame to thereby allow limited off-vertical movement of the apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load with respect to the third frame.

Abstract: Sliver-processing textile machines and can exchange stations include a can transport carriage to be moved in a given direction of motion for manipulating sliver cans having upper rims with outer peripheries. A can manipulating device is movable on the can transport carriage above the cans in a direction transverse to the given direction of motion for manipulating the sliver cans during an automatic can exchange. Four gripper elements for gripping the sliver cans to be manipulated are disposed at four mutually spaced-apart locations at the outer peripheries of the upper rims of the cans.

Abstract: For the storing of paper rolls in high-shelf system stores and for the gunce of paper roll transporting cars, tracks disposed in pairs are provided which, for the accommodation of great weights, possess an approximately U-shaped cross-sectional configuration with a lower chord, an upper chord (180) and a web interconnecting both chords, which, proceeding devoid of any bends linearily and, with the aid of connections (183), is connected to a plurality of vertical supporting girders (184) disposed at a distance from each other and connected to the crossgirder (12) of the framework structure of the store, wherein the lower chord is formed by a leg (187) with a horizontally proceeding section forming the support for the paper roll transporting car and a section adjoining the latter which proceeds vertically and parallelly to the web, wherein the horizontal leg section is supported on and the vertical leg is supported against an angle section (188) connected to the vertical supporting girder (184) and the crossgir

Abstract: A carriage supported tool for manipulating a heavy object including a mobile carriage assembly having a carriage supported on wheels, an elongated operating arm, and an elongated clamp-assembly support boom. Both the boom and the arm are attached to the carriage to form a lever with the carriage acting as a fulcrum. The clamp assembly is coupled to the boom by a chain and hook. The clamp assembly includes a plurality of adjustable jaw sets for engaging a heavy object, such as a manhole frame, which is to be moved.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a paper roll used in a printing press. This device is comprised of an inverted U-shaped frame made up of a horizontal member supported by two vertical members. Two hydraulic cylinders are supported by the horizontal member so that each extends substantially parallel to a vertical member of the frame. A hydraulic power unit is attached to the top of the horizontal member to actuate the hydraulic cylinders. A hydraulic directional control valve controls the direction of flow of hydraulic fluid in order to effectuate the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders and thereby raise and lower the paper roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a coiler can includes a carriage for receiving the coiler can and a loading and unloading device mounted on the carriage for shifting the coiler can toward or away from the carriage. The loading and unloading device has an elongated stationary base element secured to the carriage; and a plurality of elongated runners oriented parallel to one another and the base element. The runners are displaceable relative to one another and the base element. One of the runners--termed as a first runner--adjoins the base element and another runner--termed as a second runner--adjoins the first runner. The device further includes a guide arrangement for guiding the first runner on the base element and for guiding the second runner on the first runner. In extended positions the first runner partially projects beyond the base element and the second runner partially projects beyond the first runner.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting packaging material supply reels from a storage location to a consumption station which includes a gripping mechanism for engaging the core tube of the supply reel and a support for the gripping mechanism, the support permitting the gripping mechanism to be moved in three mutually perpendicular directions. The support includes a pair of angularly arranged, pivotal contact arms which define an angle, the axis of the gripping means lying in a plane which bisects the angle between the contact arms. Deflection of both arms to preselected angular positions against a resiliant bias will be indicative of establishment of a coaxial relationship between the gripping mechanism and the core of the supply reel whereupon the gripping mechanism may be inserted into the core for engagement therewith and subsequent reel transfer.

Abstract: A method for identification of a roll and for determining its diameter, in which a device for reading the identifier and the sensor for measuring the diameter are mounted to a unit moving on a vertical lead, and its position is tracked by a position sensor. The diameter of the roll is detected by a mechanical detector that turns up when it contacts the surface of the roll enabling thus an uninterrupted movement of the unit past the measurement site. After the measurement of the diameter the identification unit moves to the center of the roll, inferred from the diameter, where the device for reading the identifier reads the identification code of the roll. During the return movement of the identification unit, markings can be made on the end of the roll by an ink-jet printer.

Abstract: Trolley for loading rolls in a device for feeding a packaging machine, which comprises a device for supporting a row of rolls arranged mutually side by side, a conveyor for transferring the row of rolls along a direction which is axial with respect to the rolls themselves, and centering and locking longitudinal rods which are suitable to be coupled, during loading, to complementarily shaped seats which are correspondingly rigidly coupled to the feeder device.

Abstract: The device serves to convey products singly and in succession to a work station. For example rolls of strip material can be conveyed to a wrapping machine, or containers of cigarettes can be conveyed to a packaging unit. The device comprises a conveyor system by which products loaded into a magazine are supported and caused to advance from an infeed end of the magazine toward a mechanism, positioned at an outfeed end, which the transfers each product to a position within the work station. The movement of the conveyor system is reversible, and with a transfer mechanism installed at both the infeed and the outfeed end of the magazine, the contents can be emptied from either end without manual or machine assistance.

Abstract: A coil unloading and transporting apparatus is disclosed and is suited for unloading coiled aluminum and other metals from a storage shaft and moving the coils from the storage shaft to a pallet for further transport. The unloading and transporting apparatus comprises a carriage movable from a position adjacent the storage shaft to a position remote from the storage shaft. A platform for supporting the coil is mounted on the carriage and a receiving shaft extends outwardly from the platform. The storage shaft can be withdrawn below the plane of the platform. The platform and the receiving shaft is pivotal from a position wherein the receiving shaft is horizontal and the coil is supported on the receiving shaft to a position wherein the receiving shaft is vertical and the coil is supported on the platform. Once the coil is supported on the platform, the receiving shaft may be withdrawn below the platform, and the coil transported by the carriage to a remote location.

Abstract: A doffing apparatus for use with a loom take-up which includes a pair of drive spaced and aligned drive rolls supporting a cloth roll therebetween. The drive rolls act to drive the cloth roll so as to wind cloth delivered from the loom thereon. The doffing apparatus includes a pair of pivotally mounted support arms carrying a wedge. A support rod connects the wedge means with this support arm for pivotal and longitudinal movement relative thereto. In operation, the doffing apparatus is located relative to the drive roll and the cloth roll and the wedge means is positioned in the nip between these rolls so that continued rotation thereof draws the wedge means in between the rolls in a manner to lift the cloth roll from the driven roll.

Abstract: An upright, particularly for a counterbalanced, high lift truck, comprising first and second telescoping dual mast sections disposed in fore and aft relationship, each section having laterally spaced outer, intermediate, and inner rails, and a load carriage elevatable on the inner rails of the front mast section providing a five-stage, sextuple upright. The carriage has side thrust and vertical guide roller pairs travelling in anti-friction engagement on the inner rails spaced to distribute the forces for reducing roller wear and rail distortion. The carriage has a free lift that leaves the top of the carriage flush with the top of the upright reducing the possibility of ceiling damage. The carriage also does not extend laterally beyond the sides of the mast section to reduce interfering with objects alongside the lift, such as storage racks, when engaging a load. The rails and carriage overlap to a high degree thereby allowing loads to be lifted by a truck having a smaller capacity.

Abstract: A carriage for displacing a cylindrical body into a winding machine, comprising two support elements (9) defining therebetween a space for receiving the body (2) and being adjustable with respect to each other in a transverse direction of the elements; fixed support plates (10) attached to the support elements for supporting the body; and a machinery for lifting and lowering the support plates. To measure the size of the body and to be able to adjust the winding machine in advance, the carriage comprises sensors (15, 18) for measuring the width and diameter of the body while the body is supported by the support plates; and a transmitter (24) for transmitting the measuring results to the winding machine.

Abstract: A bale carrier for carrying first, second and third rows of bales. The first row of bales are positioned on cradles positioned at one side of the carrier while the second row of bales are positioned on cradles at the other side of the carrier. A third row of bales is positioned on the tops of the first and second rows. A hydraulic cylinder having a push-off arm at the upper end thereof is positioned between bales in the first and second rows and is adapted to engage the underside of the bale in the third row of the bales positioned thereon so that the bale in the third row will be moved upwardly and laterally with respect to the bales and will be dumped from the right side of the carrier.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for unrolling spirally wound bales of hay which are moved by hydraulic or electric operated bale spikes mounted on a vehicle such as a truck or tractor. The device is comprised of a tubular axle sleeve which fits over the bale impaling spike and is impaled along with the impaling spike into the hay bale when the bale is to be transported by the vehicle. After the bale is moved, the impaling spike is withdrawn leaving the axle sleeve impaled in the center of the bale. Bearings are employed at opposed ends of the axle which are free to rotate on the axle and are connected to lines on opposite sides of the rear of the vehicle. Movement of the truck causes the lines to rotate the axis of the bale from an axial position in alignment with the axis of the truck 90.degree. in order that the bale can be unwound in the manner of a spool to leave a mat-like web of hay upon the ground for feeding livestock.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated roll stop of controllable speed is provided for stopping a roll. A first end of a stop arm is operatively connected to a pivotal joint of a frame. The distal end of the stop arm is provided for making contact with the roll to be stopped. A pneumatic cylinder comprises a cylinder unit having first and second ends defining a cavity therein. A piston is axially aligned in the cylinder and separates first and second working chambers. A piston rod is operatively connected to the piston axially extending outward from the cavity at a first end of the cylinder unit. The rod is operatively engaged with the frame, and the second end of the cylinder is operatively engaged to the stop arm. A first passage is provided for pneumatically connecting the first working chamber to a control valve and a pulse valve, and a second passage is provided for pneumatically connecting the second working chamber to the control valve.

Abstract: The device for feeding reels into a packaging machine comprises a buffer magazine for the reels. The reels are advanced one after the other along the magazine by a conveyor belt provided with pairs of uniformly spaced teeth for supporting individual reels. A distribution element, comprising a supporting element and a resiliently urged tape, guides a first one of the reels into a removal position, and a transfer device transfers the reels sequentially from the removal position, through a reel guiding channel, to an underlying receiving position, at which a device operates for changing the reel to be unrolled in the packaging machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating hot metallic material includes placing a coil of the material at a first position, the coil having an open coil eye, and initiating uncoiling of the coil while it is in the first position. During uncoiling, the coil is transferred to a second position by moving it in a direction transverse to its axis, and heat loss from the coil side edges and eye is restricted by providing a heat shield closely adjacent to the side edges. The uncoiling continues at the second position, and when the coil is near the end of the uncoiling operation at the second position, a coil opener pin is inserted axially into the open coil eye without contacting the coil, thus avoiding conductive heat loss to the pin. Finally, at the completion of the uncoiling operation, the last few coil wraps are pulled into contact with the pin as the coil is pulled downstream out of the second position, whereby the pin prevents collapsing or crushing of the final portion of the coil.

Abstract: A sod roll-out machine with endless tracks having a low center of gravity to prevent tipping on hills or inclines. The machine can be operated and steered by one person, wherein the roll of sod can be unwound in a forward or reverse direction. A pair of arms are elevated by hydraulic cylinders to facilitate the loading of a roll of sod to the distal ends of the arms, and to maintain the roll of sod slightly above the earth during the unrolling process. Due to the unique two track driving mechanism, the machine can be turned in place and operated in areas having limited accessibility. The tracks are driven by a motor, wherein each track can be individually controlled to be rotated in either a forward or reverse direction. A hydraulic pump is driven by the motor, wherein hydraulic fluid is provided to each of the hydraulic cylinders to control the elevation of each of the elevating arms.