Abstract: An extractor arm for a die cast machine providing improved linear movement of the claw supported by the arm. The arm includes a support portion, a knee portion, a claw portion, and two sub-arm assemblies--a first sub-arm assembly interconnecting the support portion and the knee portion and a second sub-arm assembly interconnecting the knee portion and the claw portion. The two sub-arm assemblies each define a flexing parallelogram, and structure is provided for maintaining the two flexing parallelograms in generally the same shape throughout movement of the arm. The claw portion is therefore geometrically transported along a linear path relative the support portion.

Abstract: A robot for purposes of production and/or assembly comprises an arm carrying a holder for a tool, operating device or the like and being movable in three dimensions in consequence of appropriate guides. The holder itself can have various degrees of freedom through arrangement of hinges, rotational axes or the like and all holder movements for individual operating processes may be programmable. The holder is connected indirectly or directly to the arm through a double parallelogram linkage integrated into one unit, wherein the parallelogram linkage rod pairs extend obliquely one to the other, and a pivot angle displacing mechanism is associated with this linkage.

Abstract: A revolving-ladle turret having a turret member furnished with a pair of ladle-carrying arms, mounted on a platform which rotates about a vertical axis. The turret member is supported by a pair of articulated linkages similar to parallelograms of the double-handle type. The upper or bridge sides of the parallelograms are horizontal and rigidly supported by the platform and extend parallel to the ladle-carrying arms. These parallelograms have their respective handles shaped at right angles and are linked to the turret member in positions which are symmetrical to it about the axis of rotation of the platform. The articulated parallelograms fundamentally constitute synchronizing devices for the displacements of all of the points of the turret member and of the attached ladle-carrying arms.

Abstract: An aerial weapons handling trailer includes a frame comprising longitudinally extending beams and a cross beam interconnecting the front ends of the longitudinally extending beams. The frame is supported on wheels which are pivotable between positions wherein the trailer is movable longitudinally and positioned wherein the trailer is movable laterally. The wheels include drive motors for positioning the trailer. A plurality of lift arms are pivotally supported on the longitudinally extending beams of the frame and in turn support lift beams. The lift arms include inwardly offset portions, and the lift beams are separated by a distance not greater than the width of a weapons package that is lifted and positioned by the trailer. The lift arms are actuated by hydraulic cylinders which are provided with load lock valves to prevent inadvertent lowering of the load carried by the lift beams.

Abstract: Upper parallelogram links (8, 8, 5, 12) and lower parallelogram links (14, 14, 12, 17) are series connected at an intermediate driving unit 12 with direction of the journal shafts (7, 7, 10, 10) of the upper parallelogram links and direction of the journal shafts (13, 13, 16, 16) of the lower parallelogram links being perpendicular to each other; thereby a third driving unit 17, to which a shaft of a hand 19 is mounted, is always kept in parallel to a first driving unit 5 irrespective of the position of the hand 19; thus a reliable handling by hand is assured, and also accurate horizontal motions are attainable with conventional computing means.

Abstract: Loading and unloading apparatus for a vehicle including a lifting frame having latches or hooks for attachment to a cargo body or platform, parallel motion links connecting the lifting frame to the vehicle, and hydraulic rams operable to move the links to move the load between a carrying position on the vehicle and a loading or unloading position at ground level behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A robot forearm is counterbalanced by a drive arm. A main arm has two parallel sections whose ends are pivotally connected to the forearm and drive arm to maintain a parallel relationship between the forearm and the drive arm. A medial portion of one main arm section is pivotably mounted on a turntable pedestal. A drive motor and drive system mounted on the drive arm are connected to the other main arm section for moving the drive arm relative to the main arm. The drive system includes a harmonic drive speed reducer.

Abstract: A load handling apparatus particularly suited for incorporation into a vehicle for lifting and transporting heavy loads such as steel billets, comprising a main frame to straddle a load, pivotally mounted lift frame assembly providing the lifting capability to raise a steel billet and suspend it during transport, suspended load engaging and clamping members, hydraulic cylinders to actuate the clamping and lifting members and an hydraulically actuated drag link for stabilizing the load while transporting over uneven terrain. The drag link is pivotally connected at its one end to the main frame and at its other end to the suspended load engaging and clamping assembly so that these pivot points, in conjunction with the pivot points of the lift frame assembly, substantially define a parallelogram relationship. By varying the length of the drag link, the clamping assembly is maintained in proper orientation relative to the ground.

Abstract: A linkage system for a loader vehicle of the type comprising a pair of parallel lift arms having a first upper end pivotally connected to upper end portions of a vertical bracket member secured to the frame of the vehicle and a second lower end pivoted to an associated lower back portion of a bucket, a pair of bellcrank levers, the central portions of which are pivotally connected to corresponding upper end portions of the lift arms, a pair of connecting links having one or a first end pivotally connected to a lower end of the bellcrank levers and its other end pivotally connected to associated intermediate portions of the bracket members secured to the frame and a pair of bucket cylinders for control of rotation of the bucket about its lower end portion, having a head end pivotally connected to a corresponding upper end of the bellcrank levers and a rod end pivotally connected to an associated upper back end portion of the bucket.

Abstract: This is a rotary loader for transfer of cargo containers, flat beds or pallets, racks, or other loads to and from railroad cars or vehicles moving by and is rotated to turn either end to a dock or building for convenient end loading. Standard or wide end-door cargo containers can be transferred and supported on the loader and the loader turned so the door end of the container is at or over a dock so fork trucks or other vehicles can be driven over a dock board straight in and out from the cargo container. One form of the loader has two vertical posts equally spaced from a railway track or driveway and a horizontal rotary arm connected on each post to rotate parallelly through an arc with cam lift for transfer as my earlier loader, but the arms are free to be rotated differently from dead center position to rotate either end of the load to the dock or building doorway. The loader can be rotated to and from the dock by hand or by cable and winch or by a separate reversible drive or motor for each arm.

Abstract: A robot having an arm and an adapted actuating mechanism of a parallelogram construction, formed of vertical arms having the forward and rearward movement regulated within a fixed range, parallel rods having the up and down movement regulated within a fixed range, upper links and a forward horizontally extending horizontal arm is supported by side plates. At least the above mentioned vertical arms are provided with an X-axis driving device and the parallel rods are provided with a Z-axis driving device and means to balance the load of the work and arm mechanism.

Abstract: Lifting apparatus in combination with at least one substantially upright wall having an opening therein for providing access through the wall. The preferred combination comprises a vehicle, such as, a van (1), having a rear or side door opening therein, the lifting apparatus including a generally planar, load support portion (12) which is movable between a storage position (A,C) interior of the vehicle (1) and an operative position (B) exterior of the vehicle. In the operative position (B), the load support portion (12) lies in a generally horizontal plane substantially normal to that of the vehicle opening, with the support portion (12) being movable between its storage position (A,C) and its operative position (B) via an intermediate, inoperative position exterior of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: An industrial robot of the type comprising a frame mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and having a pivot arm which is pivotally attached to the frame for pivotally supporting a boom, is provided with a counterbalancing device for equalizing the weight of the boom. The counterbalancing device includes a toggle lever mounted for pivotal motion about a fixed horizontal axis that extends at right angles to the axis of rotation of the frame, a counterweight or piston being connected to the toggle lever at a point spaced from one side of the pivot axis of the toggle lever, and a linkage connecting a second point on the toggle lever, located on the other side of its pivot axis, to the pivot arm at a location that is spaced from the pivot axis between the pivot arm and frame.

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

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a mechanism whose construction and assembly are simplified and whose cost is consequently reduced. The mechanism comprises a support device, a movable device connected to the support device in such manner as to be movable in translation relative to the support device by an actuating device. The support device and movable device are mounted on an intermediate member to pivot about respective pivot pins. The two pivot pins are parallel to each other and the intermediate member defines two cavities which are parallel and extend in a direction orthogonal to the two pivot pins. Two push-members are slidably mounted in the two cavities and the ends of the push-members are respectively in contact with two parallel surfaces. One of the surfaces is defined on the movable device and the other is defined on the fixed device.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus comprises a driving-side parallel link including first and second driving arms, a hydraulic actuator for swinging the first and second driving arms, a driven-side parallel link including first and second driven arms coupled with the first and second driving arms, respectively, suckers attached to the first and second driven arms to hold an object of transfer, a first transmission member attached to the first driving arm and having a cam follower for transmitting the swing displacements of the driving arms to the driven arms, and a second transmission member attached to the second driven arm and having a cam opening to engage the cam follower to receive the swing displacements of the driving arms through the cam follower.

Abstract: A gripping mechanism having jaws for picking up and releasing parts is carried on an outwardly and inwardly swinging parallel linkage which, in turn, is mounted on an upwardly and downwardly swinging parallel linkage. A spring-loaded snubber takes out play in the linkages to insure precise positioning of the gripping mechanism at the ends of its outward and inward strokes. The jaws of the gripping mechanism are open and closed by a compactly mounted fluid-operated actuator, are connected to one another by an equalizing link which effects automatic self-centering of the jaws, are adapted to rotate the part as the part is transferred, and are adapted to be opened and closed with either a swinging motion or a straight line motion.

Abstract: A pantograph linkage system for use in a manipulating tool comprises a pair of pantographs linked together in parallel. Each pantograph consists of a pair of arms held in a fixed relative orientation and the two arms comprise components of parallel linkages. A tool holder appropriately mounted on the free end of the arms can then be moved in all three dimensions without changing its spatial orientation. Simple straightline input movements are all that is required to effect movement of the tool holder.

Abstract: An elevating and tilting mechanism for a crane cab having a sub-frame mounted to the upper works, a pair of outer arms pivotally connected to the sub-frame and to the platform, a central inner arm pivotally connected to the sub-frame and the platform to form a parallelogram linkage. A pair of elevating rams connected between the cab frame and the outer arms. A cab is pivotally mounted at its rear to the platform and has a pair of hydraulic tilting rams connected between the platform and the cab.

Abstract: A carrier that is adjustably interconnected with its base by means of parallelogram articulation including spherical bearings. The framework interconnecting the support with its base, includes two generally horizontal arms laterally spaced apart and interconnected at their forward ends with the support by spherical bearings and at their rear end to a hinge plate about spaced vertical pivots. The hinge plate is mounted for vertical swinging movement about a horizontal axis on and relative to the base. Another parallelogram linkage, this one arranged in a vertical plane, is provided by a fluid pressure cylinder disposed below the horizontal arms and serving as a tilting cylinder, which is connected by spherical bearings at its forward and rear ends to the carrier and to the base, respectively. A fluid pressure cylinder serving as a lifting cylinder pivotally interconnects the base and the lower part of the hinge plate.

Abstract: A load handling and transporting vehicle is provided with a load handling apparatus movable from a compact low profile position to an extended position. The load handling apparatus has a main lift beam pivotally connected to a link and control beam. A second link connects the control beam to the frame. Piston and cylinder assemblies connected to the main lift beam and frame operate to move the main lift beam, links, and control beam from adjacent nested positions to extended positions. A cargo container carrier is mounted on a third link pivotally connected to the forward ends of the main lift beam and control beams.

Abstract: An improvement in scrapper type vehicle, for handling junk cars and the like, having a frame mounted on wheels and having a prime mover powering the vehicle, characterized by a pair of beams having their inner ends pivotally attached to the frame at a pair of respective first points for pivotal movement about the first transverse, horizontal axis thereat; a lifting fork pivotally attached to the main beams at their respective outer ends at a pair of respective second points and having lift prongs adapted to load the junk cars onto a transport vehicle; elevating rams connected with the main beams and the frame for elevating the junk cars; and load fork tilting rams attached to the main frame at a pair of respective third points for pivotal movement about a second transverse, horizontal axis thereat. The lift fork tilting rams are attached to the lift fork at a pair of respective fourth points.

Abstract: A parallelogram arm assembly having a vertical arm for suspending a load at lower end thereof and a pair of horizontal arms one of which is guided in a horizontal path is provided. The other horizontal arm is guided in a vertical path. The paths are defined in a supporting structure which is mounted rotatably on a standard or the like. Apparatus, such as a piston/cylinder actuator is provided for maintaining in cooperation with the parallelogram a floating balanced state of the arm assembly independently of the loaded or no-load state.

Abstract: A forging manipulator has a mobile truck on which a gripper support is suspended by articulated linkages. To move the gripper support relative to the truck, and to provide cushioning of the gripper support, the gripper support is coupled to the truck by hydraulic cylinder assemblies. Each cylinder assembly includes three cylinders placed one above another with the piston of a middle cylinder connected to the truck and with the pistons of the outer cylinders connected to each other and to the gripper support.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring articles, such as eggs, from one station to another. The eggs are arranged in a predetermined configuration at the first or transfer station, and deposited at a second station in a different array or configuration. The transfer head, which contains egg engaging and lifting members in the form of vacuum cups, includes a first and second carrier section, each of which retains one-half of the array or egg engaging positions. The carrier sections are interconnected by linkage members which, when rotated, change the array configuration from a first position to a second position without the need for rotating the entire transfer head and the articles being carried.

Abstract: An arrangement is described for mounting a hydraulic actuator used to raise and lower a material handling element relative to a base member using a minimum of pivotal connections and using the inherent strength and force producing capabilities of a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a cylinder, a piston slidably mounted within the cylinder and a piston rod connected to the piston such that hydraulic actuators extended when the material handling element is in its upright or raised position. A pair of articulated connecting links join the piston rod to the material handling element and the base member. The cylinder end of the hydraulic actuator is pivotally connected to the common pivotal connection between the base member and the material handling element. Two specific embodiments are described in detail, one for the bucket mounted at the end of the lift arms of a loader and one in connection with the boom portion of a backhoe mechanism.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for use in combination with a working machine, where such loading apparatus has a first quadric parallel link body attached to the working machine and adapted to be oscillated within a vertical plane; a second quadric parallel link body attached to the first link body through a L-shaped member for oscillating motion therewith, and having a holder arm assembly effective to hold a workpiece; and a mechanism adapted to reciprocate said holder arm assembly of the second link body.

Abstract: A core delivery device of a machine for making cores from fluidized sands in hot boxes comprises apparatus for receiving cores and delivering them onto bearing plate bars mounted on a support frame. The apparatus in question is made in the form of a pantograph positioned on a trolley which, in turn, is mounted for reciprocation on the support frame. The pantograph is provided with core receiving bars which are lifted and lowered by an appropriate mechanism.

Abstract: A horizontal loading platform is pivotally interconnected by a pair of spaced apart and opposed linkage systems, positioned on either side thereof. Each linkage system includes five pivotally interconnected links which are arranged so that a first common link is disposed above the loading platform and the points of pivotal interconnection of a first set of spaced apart links to the common link and to the loading platform define the corners of a first parallelogram. The points of pivotal interconnection of a second set of spaced apart links to said common link and to said framework define the corners of a second parallelogram. Thrust links, which includes an offset arm on the inboard link of said second set of links and a cross-link pivotally connected to said offset arm and to the outboard link of said first set of links, maintain said loading platform out of contact with the vehicle when the loading platform is away from rest position interior of said vehicle.

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: An industrial robot of the articulated type including a swivelling pedestal capable of swivelling about a vertical axis by force of a drive motor, a first brachium supported for pivotal movement about a first axis disposed horizontally on the pedestal, a lever supported for pivotal movement about the first axis, a second brachium connected at one end to a pivoting end of the lever for pivotal movement, a forearm connected to the other end of the second brachium and a pivoting end of the first brachium for pivotal movement and cooperating with the first and second brachiums and the lever to constitute a quadric parallel motion mechanism, and a wrist mounted on one end of the forearm.

Abstract: First and second excavator bucket linkage embodiments each include first, second, third and fourth links. Each embodiment includes first and second links pivotally interconnected to each other and to the rod end of an extensible and retractable hydraulic actuator with the first link also being pivotally connected to the bucket. In the first embodiment, the third and fourth links are arranged in general parallelism with each other and have respective first ends pivotally connected to the second link and respective second ends pivotally connected to the dipper stick. In the second embodiment, the third link is pivotally connected between the dipper stick and the second link while the fourth link is pivotally interconnected between the third link and the bucket.

Abstract: A load skidding vehicle (10) utilizing a grapple assembly (28) for grasping loads. The grapple assembly (28) is pivotally connected to a boom (24) which extends rearwardly from and is connected to a chassis (12). The grapple assembly (28) is pivotable relative to the boom (24) by a hydraulic cylinder (36) connected to the grapple assembly (28) and chassis (12). Displacement of the hydraulic cylinder (36) provides pivoting of the grapple assembly (28) to an optimum load skidding position. Means (66,68,70,72,78,62',68') are provided for maintaining the optimum skidding position for the grapple assembly (28) with a biasing force during skidding by permitting the grapple assembly (28) to pivot away from the initial skidding position when a predetermined skidding force is encountered. When the skidding force falls below the biasing force magnitude, the grapple assembly (28) is again pivoted toward the initially set skidding position.

Abstract: A manipulator consisting of a slave assembly, a master unit, and a control circuit. The movement of the various components of the slave assembly are actuated by electric stepping motors, and the slave assembly itself comprises a pantograph linkage having a wrist at one end of an extended link of the linkage. A jaw assembly connected to the wrist is arrranged to be operated by a fluid circuit which is pressurized by an electric pump and regulated by the action of a throttling device that has a plunger held over an opening by an electric solenoid. Movement of the plunger is detected by the change of impedance of a sensing coil as the plunger enters the coil.

Abstract: A counterbalance device for operation with the manipulator of a laser knife in which the moment of the knife is maintained in a balanced state over the entire range of movement of the knife so that the movement of the knife is smooth over its entire range and its operability highly increased. A counterbalance device of the invention is coupled to the manipulator at a fulcrum point. The centers of gravity of the manipulator and counterbalance device are in the same vertical plane. The center of gravity of the counterbalance device is moved in parallel with the movement of the center of gravity of the manipulator. In preferred embodiments, the counterbalance device includes arm sections which are geometrically similar to the arm structure of the manipulator device. A rotatable arm of the counterbalance device is coupled through rotatable links to the corresponding rotatable arm of the manipulator so as to maintain dynamical balance.

Abstract: Loading and unloading apparatus for a vehicle including a lifting frame having latches or hooks for attachment to a cargo body or platform, parallel motion links connecting the lifting frame to the vehicle, and hydraulic rams operable to move the links to move the load between a carrying position on the vehicle and a loading or unloading position at ground level behind the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel loading and detraining apparatus for use by wheelchair confined and other handicapped passengers. One embodiment of the invention makes provision for the loading and detraining of such passengers at the entrances to railway coaches and more particularly over the stairwell in a vestibule of such coaches. A horizontal loading platform is pivotally connected to a pair of spaced apart and opposed linkage means positioned on either side thereof and which are in turn pivotally connected to the coach. Each linkage means comprises three linkage sections which are so arranged as to define two co-operating parallelograms having one common side which is parallel to the loading platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving stands of pipe in a derrick having a powered turret mounted in a selected position relative to the derrick and a vertical leg supported and rotated by the turret. A powered dolly is mounted on the vertical leg and moves one end of a power arm to selected positions along the vertical leg. A pipe gripping head is mounted to the opposite end of the power arm. A scissor arm is rotatably connected at one end in mid-region of the power arm and at the other end to the vertical leg. As a consequence, the pipe gripping head moves reciprocally in a straight line to engage, move, and disengage stands of pipe.

Abstract: A high-lift attachment for a tractor provided with a three-point linkage comprises a platform provided with a vertical backing frame, and a vertical intermediate frame positioned between the backing frame and the tractor body. The intermediate frame is connected to the three-point linkage arms of equal length by three pivots which are positioned on this frame in spatial alignment corresponding to the position of the points of attachment on the tractor, whereby the frame remains in its vertical position at any height of lift. The intermediate frame and the backing frame are interconnected by one upper and two lower links which are in parallel alignment and wherein the distance between their linkage points is identical for all three links. The two lower links are elongated beyond the intermediate frame towards the tractor body which latter is provided with a pivoted member serving to attach the ends of these links and to keep them in their initial lowermost position.

Abstract: A linkage system for automatically maintaining the orientation of a bucket of a tractor loader while the lift arms are moved between raised and lowered positions is disclosed herein. Several specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail. Each embodiment incorporates one or more links joined to the lift arms in such a manner that a portion of that linkage is maintained generally parallel to the bucket end of the lift arm. By maintaining this parallel relationship throughout the rotation of the lift arm, the bucket positioning mechanism is displaced in such a manner as to counteract the rotation of the bucket induced by the motion of the lift arms alone. The automatic self-leveling feature improves the overall productivity of the tractor loader.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a vehicle tail-board or other platform comprises at least one set of two main levers 12, 13 each of which essentially provides three non-colinear pivots defining a triangle, and the two triangles are substantially identical. Corresponding pairs of pivots 12a and 13a, and 12b and 13b, are respectively interconnected by a tilting lever 14 and a link 16, and corresponding pivots 12c and 13c are interconnected by being connected to spaced fixed locations on the tail-board 10. A hydraulic jack 23 is connected between a pin 26 on lever 12 and a fixed bracket 18, which also carries pivot 12a, and operates to move the tail-board in a horizontal attitude between the ground and the vehicle floor level, and a second jack 22 is connected between bracket 18 and a crank arm 21 of lever 14 and operates, when the platform is at vehicle floor level, to move lever 13 bodily in an arcuate path about pivots 12a, and 12b and 12c to swing the tail-board into a vertical attitude.

Abstract: An assembly robot includes a quadrilateral link mechanism formed by plurality of links. Swinging or movement devices are connected to two adjacent links and are supported by a base. An assembling tool is installed at a connection of two other links opposite the moving devices.

Abstract: The invention refers to a manipulating device, particularly for industrial obots, comprising an articulated gripping arm located and extending from a support, of the kind in which the articulated gripping arm comprises a lever system with at least a first, a second and a third member pivotally connected with the pivot axes parallel to each other, the first member being pivotally connected at the support. Such manipulating devices are equipped with at least two drive units to move a driven member to a predetermined angular relationship with respect to a preceding member or to the support as the case may be. A gripper or tool is located at the free end of the last (outermost) member. The invention particularly concerns manipulating devices for the purposes of the watch industry where relatively small parts must be precisely manipulated.

Abstract: First second and third drive units for a mechanical manipulator are located on a support. An articulated arm assembly extends from the support and includes a first member pivotally connected to a first pivot axis on the support to form part of a first lever-parallelogram having a first lever and also part of a third lever-parallelogram having a second lever. A second member is pivotally connected at a second pivot axis to the first member and forms part of a second lever-parallelogram. A third member is pivotally connected at a third pivot axis to the second member and also forms part of the second lever-parallelogram. The drive units are operative to drive the first member and the first and second levers so that rotation of the first and second levers through first and second angles produces rotation through the same first and second angles by the second and third members.

Abstract: A wheelchair boarding system for buses and vans utilizing a cantilevered platform having an arcuate path of motion between a storage position inside the vehicle and a grounded position outside the vehicle. The platform is extended and retracted by a parallel bar linkage and track system driven by an electric motor and chain drive linkage. Provision is made for securing the wheelchair on the platform and for safeguarding the area around the lift system in the interior of the vehicle when the platform is in its extended position. Master controls are provided at the driver's console, and lift controls are located in an exterior panel on the vehicle adjacent the door to the lift system.

Abstract: A device provided for loading and unloading a wheelchair into and out from a motor vehicle while the wheelchair is in a folded condition. The device comprises an elongated track which secured to the motor vehicle and preferably laterally across the vehicle in front of the vehicle rear seat. A carriage assembly is longitudinally slidably mounted to the track while a reversible electric motor longitudinally drives the carriage assembly along the track between a retracted and an extended position. With the carriage assembly in its extended position, an elongated wheelchair engaging bar is positioned underneath the wheelchair seat. A second electric motor, upon activation, lifts the wheelchair engaging bar and, in doing so, lifts the wheelchair off from the ground. With the wheelchair in an elevated position, activation of the first motor retracts the carriage assembly with the attached wheelchair into the vehicle for storage during transportation of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Master-slave manipulator having a master arm provided with a control handle and a slave arm controlled by the master arm and provided with a tool, said arms being connected by a shaft mounted in pivotal manner about its axis with respect to a fixed support, the master arm having at least one so-called shoulder articulation between itself and the shaft and perpendicular to the shaft axis, said slave arm being of the articulated type and having an upper arm articulated about a shoulder axis perpendicular to the shaft axis and a lower arm articulated with respect to the upper arm about an elbow axis parallel to the shoulder axis, wherein it comprises means for defining a first point occupying a homothetic position in a homothetic transformation of negative ratio relative to the shoulder axis of the arm of the control handle and means for transmitting position information from said point to the slave arm, said means comprising at least two rods, the first of said rods being articulated to the said point about an

Abstract: A wheel-mounted load lifting and transporting machine having load engaging elements at its front end and a counterweight at its rear end, is distinguished by a novel interacting mobility between the counterweight and the load-engaging elements by which the tilting moments imposed upon the machine by the counterweight and by a load suspended from the load engaging elements, at all times offset one another with the result that throughout changes in the location of the picked up load with respect to the wheel locations, a line that passes vertically through the center of gravity of the loaded machine is substantially equispaced from the points at which the wheels of the machine rest upon the ground. For optimum handling of the machine, each of the wheels on which it is mounted is steerable and power driven to the end that the machine can be moved in any direction and along any defined path.

Abstract: The manipulation of components of a fluid transmission system, particularly portions of a conduit through which heated gas is delivered to a blast furnace is facilitated by the use of a self-propelled vehicle having mounted thereon a component support mechanism. The vehicle and component support mechanism cooperate to define a pair of displaced vertical pivotal axes whereby the component support mechanism can be readily maneuvered into engagement with the conduit portion to be manipulated. The apparatus is further characterized by a lifting arm assembly which enables the component support mechanism to be raised and lowered without changing the orientation of a supported conduit portion.The present invention relates to a device for handling the various components of an installation for the injection of pre-heated air into a shaft furnace. The invention likewise relates to a multi-purpose self-propelling carriage equipped with a device of this kind.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted device for use in moving a wheelchair and its occupant to and from the bed of a vehicle, comprising a platform for supporting the wheelchair, two parallelogram linkages having base links secured in place in the vehicle and end links carried by elongated arms swinging in space vertical planes, .[.and means securing the platform.]. .Iadd.the platform being secured .Iaddend.to the end links for movement in a generally horizontal attitude along an arcuate path so that one edge of the platform passes close to the edge of the bed of the vehicle at the access opening, and engages a stop in the vehicle for folding the platform into a storage position as the linkages complete their arcs. A motorized chain-and-sprocket drive swings the linkages between lowered, outwardly extending positions and raised, upright storage positions in the vehicle, and controls are provided for operating the drive and stopping the platform in an intermediate, entry position level with the bed.