Abstract: A lift gate apparatus for a truck or trailer body is provided that includes a platform and a drive mechanism operable to pivot the platform between a stowed position and a deployed position, and vertically move the platform from a bed-level position and a lower than bed-level position. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes a pneumatic motor to power one or both of a pivot drive and a lift drive. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes one or more pneumatic cylinders within the pivot drive or lift drive. In some embodiments, one or more pneumatic cylinders are arranged to both pivot the platform and vertically lift the platform, thereby combining the functionality of the pivot drive and the lift drive. The emergency brake system of the truck or trailer body can be used as a source of compressed air to power the pneumatic motor and/or cylinders.

Abstract: A method for securing a vehicle having at least one powered component includes the steps of: (i) providing a security system having a GPS sensor and at least one actuator located with the vehicle, which actuator is operable to enable or disable the powered component; (ii) providing a locator signal indicative of a geographical position of the vehicle via the GPS sensor; and (iii) enabling or disabling the powered component via the actuator based on the geographical position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lift gate apparatus for a truck or trailer body is provided that includes a platform and a drive mechanism operable to pivot the platform between a stowed position and a deployed position, and vertically move the platform from a bed-level position and a lower than bed-level position. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes a pneumatic motor to power one or both of a pivot drive and a lift drive. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes one or more pneumatic cylinders within the pivot drive or lift drive. In some embodiments, one or more pneumatic cylinders are arranged to both pivot the platform and vertically lift the platform, thereby combining the functionality of the pivot drive and the lift drive. The emergency brake system of the truck or trailer body can be used as a source of compressed air to power the pneumatic motor and/or cylinders.

Abstract: A roll -out cover system for a container having an open top is provided that includes a cover (26), a pair of pivot arms, a gearbox (46), a motor (48), a drive mechanism, and a controller. The cover has a leading end and a trailing end. The pivot arms are positioned on respective sidewalls of the container. Each pivot arm has a free end connected to a leading end of the cover, and a pivot end. The pivot arms are pivotable between a first position wherein the cover is retracted from the open top, and a second position wherein the cover is extended substantially over the open top. The gearbox has an input shaft and an output shaft connected to the pivot arms. The controller selectively controls the motor and coupled gearbox to operate the drive mechanism and connected pivot arms between the first position wherein the cover is retracted, and the second position wherein the cover is extended substantially over the open top.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically operating a sliding door of a transport container is provided. The apparatus includes a sliding door, a drive mechanism and a pneumatic motor. The drive mechanism is coupled to the sliding door and configured to allow movement of the sliding door. The pneumatic motor is coupled to the drive mechanism and is adapted to power the drive mechanism so that the sliding door moves in a first direction. A kit for retrofitting a motor assembly of a sliding door assembly mounted on a transport container, a trailer for transporting material having a sliding door assembly, and a system for transporting material having a sliding door assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically operating a sliding door of a transport container is provided. The apparatus includes a sliding door, a drive mechanism and a pneumatic motor. The drive mechanism is coupled to the sliding door and configured to allow movement of the sliding door. The pneumatic motor is coupled to the drive mechanism and is adapted to power the drive mechanism so that the sliding door moves in a first direction. A kit for retrofitting a motor assembly of a sliding door assembly mounted on a transport container, a trailer for transporting material having a sliding door assembly, and a system for transporting material having a sliding door assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying material from a transport container having a discharge opening is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt, a drive mechanism and a pneumatic motor. The drive mechanism is coupled to the conveyor belt and configured to allow movement of the conveyor belt. The pneumatic motor is coupled to the drive mechanism and is adapted to power the drive mechanism so that the conveyor belt moves in a first direction. A kit for retrofitting a motor assembly of a conveyor assembly mounted on a transport container, a trailer for transporting material, and a system for transporting material are also provided.

Abstract: A stabilizing leg apparatus for stabilizing a trailer during the loading or unloading of goods transported by the trailer is provided. The trailer includes a transport container and a wheel assembly coupled to the transport container. The transport container has a front end, a rear end, and an underside having a width extending between a first side and a second side of the container. The wheel assembly is located between a lengthwise midpoint of the container and the rear end of the transport container. The stabilizing leg apparatus includes at least one stabilizing leg and a drive mechanism. The stabilizing leg is mounted adjacent the rear end of the transport container and is selectively operable between a transport position wherein the stabilizing leg does not contact ground and a stabilizing position wherein the stabilizing leg does contact ground. The drive mechanism is configured to move the stabilizing leg from the transport position to the stabilizing position.