Abstract: A single ply polyester fabric of straight warp construction having at least 200 ends per inch of 1000 denier multifilament yarn in the warp direction and at least 18 picks per inch of 0.4 mm, monofilament yarn in the weft direction with a warp crimp of less than 2%. Preferably, the polyester fabric is impregnated with a nitrile and polyvinylchloride latex and has a polyurethane coating on one surface thereof. The single ply polyester fabric is particularly suitable for use as a belt in an automatic truck loading and unloading system.

Abstract: A freight container and trailer combination for transporting the container over land is provided with a self-contained automatic system for unloading the container. A load-supporting belt extends along the floor of the container from a wind-up roll at the forward end of the container. The trailer has a drive drum suspended beneath the back end thereof, and the belt be attached to the drive drum through securing straps. When operated, the drive drum pulls on the belt to move a load out of the container. A drive mechanism is provided at the front end of the trailer for engaging the wind-up roll and rewinding the belt thereon when the container has been unloaded.

Abstract: An unloading mechanism for a truck or trailer has a conveyor belt which runs on the bed of the truck or trailer between forward and rearward wind-up rolls. A bulkhead is attached to the conveyor belt for pushing a load out the back of the back or trailer. Extending and retracting brace rods are provided on the bulkhead for automatic extension and retraction between relatively vertical positions when the bulkhead is located at a forward loading position in the truck or trailer and relatively inclined support positions when the bulkhead moves beyond the back opening of the truck or trailer. In the relatively inclined positions, the bracing rods resist tipping of the bulkhead about its connection with the conveyor belt thereby stablizing the load pushing forces when the load is moved beyond the back end of the truck or trailer.

Abstract: An internally mounted rotary drum drive mechanism optimizes the space within a drum by utilizing a rim-mounted, motor-driven rotating gearbox for applying torque to the drum through a split ring-type mounting flange releasably secured between the gearbox and an internal wall of the drum. Radial screws extend through the wall of the drum for releasably attaching the mounting flange and axial screws attach the mounting flange to the gearbox housing. A motor mounting flange locates the motor in driving position adjacent the gearbox and the motor mounting flange is provided with a peripheral notch for obtaining access to the gearbox mounting flange fasteners during assembly and dismantling of the mechanism.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for truck loading using a conveyor to advance a load into a truck backed-up to a loading dock. A special sheet or belt is laid over the bed of the truck and anchored at the edge adjacent the rear end of the truck bed. The sheet has special frictional characteristics. The load is pushed into the truck over the special sheet, the load in the truck is held in position and the special sheet is freed of the anchors and is slipped out from between the load and the truck bed.