Abstract: A trailer moveable by a cab includes: a first section including a cavity; and a second section including a beam at least partially positioned within the cavity and a height-variable member attached to the beam, where the second section is longitudinally movable relative to the first section, such that a length of the trailer is variable, where the second section includes a cart pivotably attached to the beam at a fulcrum, where the cart includes at least one wheel configured to roll along a floor of the cavity, where the cart is pivotable about the fulcrum to co-act with the height-variable member, where the second section is configured to move longitudinally relative to the first section by the cart rolling along the floor of the cavity.

Abstract: A trailer moveable by a cab includes: a first section including a cavity and a second section at least partially positioned within the cavity, where the second section is longitudinally movable relative to the first section, such that a length of the trailer is variable. The second section includes a cart including at least one wheel configured to roll along a floor of the cavity and a height-variable member co-acting with the at least one wheel. The second section is configured to move longitudinally relative to the first section by the cart rolling along the floor of the cavity. A towing system and a method for adjusting a length of a trailer moveable by a cab are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer including a hydraulic steering system includes: a trailer body; a plurality of axles connected to the trailer body; a steering cylinder connected to at least one axle of the plurality of axles and configured to turn the at least one axle; a sensing cylinder; a controller; and a hydraulic steering system. The hydraulic steering system includes a hydraulic circuit including a plurality of hoses and valves, and the steering cylinder is in fluid communication with at least one of the sensing cylinder and the controller. The hydraulic steering system is configured to transition between: (1) an automatic steering mode and (2) a manual steering mode. A towing system and a method of steering a trailer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer having a bed portion includes: a deck including a first end and a second end and including a first side and a second side; a front extension moveably engaged with the first end of the deck, where the front extension includes a first beam moveably engaged with the deck on the first side and a second beam moveably engaged with the deck on the second side; and a rear extension moveably engaged with the second end of the deck, where the rear extension includes a first beam moveably engaged with the deck on the first side and a second beam moveably engaged with the deck on the second side. The first beam of the front extension is arranged vertically relative to the first beam of the rear extension, and the second beam of the front extension is arranged vertically relative to the second beam of the rear extension.

Abstract: A trailer moveable by a cab includes: a first section including a cavity and a second section at least partially positioned within the cavity, where the second section is longitudinally movable relative to the first section, such that a length of the trailer is variable. The second section includes a cart including at least one wheel configured to roll along a floor of the cavity and a height-variable member co-acting with the at least one wheel. The second section is configured to move longitudinally relative to the first section by the cart rolling along the floor of the cavity. A towing system and a method for adjusting a length of a trailer moveable by a cab are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer including a bed portion. The bed portion includes a deck, a front extension, and a rear extension. The deck has a first end and a second end. The front extension is slideably engaged with the first end of the deck, and the rear extension is slideably engaged with the second end of the deck. The trailer is a “double stretch” trailer that is extendable from both ends of the deck. A towing system including a cab and the trailer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular trailer includes: a front module including a frame, a plurality of axles connected to the frame, and a plurality of wheels connected to each axle; a rear module including a frame, a plurality of axles connected to the frame, and a plurality of wheels connected to each axle; a center module including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the front end removably pinned to the front module and the rear end removably pinned to the rear module, the center module further including a bearing rotatable relative to the frame; and a steering device operatively associated with the bearing and co-acting with at least one of the axles such that rotation of the bearing effects turning of the at least one axle. A towing system and a module of a modular trailer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer including a hydraulic steering system includes: a trailer body; a plurality of axles connected to the trailer body; a steering cylinder connected to at least one axle of the plurality of axles and configured to turn the at least one axle; a sensing cylinder; a controller; and a hydraulic steering system. The hydraulic steering system includes a hydraulic circuit including a plurality of hoses and valves, and the steering cylinder is in fluid communication with at least one of the sensing cylinder and the controller. The hydraulic steering system is configured to transition between: (1) an automatic steering mode and (2) a manual steering mode. A towing system and a method of steering a trailer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular trailer includes: a front module including a frame, a plurality of axles connected to the frame, and a plurality of wheels connected to each axle; a rear module including a frame, a plurality of axles connected to the frame, and a plurality of wheels connected to each axle; a center module including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the front end removably pinned to the front module and the rear end removably pinned to the rear module, the center module further including a bearing rotatable relative to the frame; and a steering device operatively associated with the bearing and co-acting with at least one of the axles such that rotation of the bearing effects turning of the at least one axle. A towing system and a module of a modular trailer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer including a bed portion. The bed portion includes a deck, a front extension, and a rear extension. The deck has a first end and a second end. The front extension is slideably engaged with the first end of the deck, and the rear extension is slideably engaged with the second end of the deck. The trailer is a “double stretch” trailer that is extendable from both ends of the deck. A towing system including a cab and the trailer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved front-drive reciprocating slat conveyor has a plurality of sets of longitudinally extending slats spaced across the width of a receptacle floor. A cross beam is secured to each set of slats. The cross beams are secured to rod extensions that are connected to the piston rods of a hydraulic drive system by non-alignment critical connectors. The cross beams have connecting elements that engage receiving elements on the slats. The connecting elements and receiving elements are held together by pins or similar connectors. A frame extends across the width of the receptacle. Bearing guides guide and align the rod extensions when the cylinder rods are extended or retracted.

Abstract: A subdeck and slat assembly for a reciprocating slat conveyor includes a plurality of supports having protrusions extending outwardly therefrom. The protrusions have an exterior profile comprising an upwardly facing portion and a downwardly facing portion. The supports further include an upper channel. A bearing sleeve has an inner profile complimentary to at least a portion of the exterior profile of the support. The bearing sleeve further includes an angled tip configured to engage the channel of the protrusion. A slat has an inner profile complimentary to at least a portion of the outer profile of the bearing sleeve and is configured to slide along the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: A conveyor trailer includes a trailer and a conveyor system. The conveyor system includes one or more belts movably mounted in the trailer. At least one bulkhead is connected to the belts. The bulkhead includes a drive assembly. At least one drive element is mounted in the trailer and is configured to engage the drive assembly to move the bulkhead and the belts connected thereto forwardly and/or rearwardly in the trailer.

Abstract: A reciprocating slat conveyor includes a plurality of slats arranged in a plurality of slat sets, with each slat having a receiving element. A cross-beam assembly is connected to the slats, wherein the cross-beam assembly includes a plurality of linear members. One cross-beam is connected to at least one linear member. Each cross-beam includes a plurality of connecting elements configured to engage the receiving elements on the slats. A plurality of bearing guides are configured to guide the linear members. An under-mount drive assembly of the conveyor comprises a plurality of cylinders, with each piston rod connected to a linear member.

Abstract: A line feed system of the invention comprises a framework having a first end and a second end. At least one conveyor is carried on the framework. The conveyor comprises a drive system and a cart configured to engage the drive system. In one embodiment, the cart has a base that engages the drive system and a carriage that is movable, e.g., extensible and retractable, with respect to the base. In another embodiment, the drive system is extensible and retractable. The cart can also include one or more lift devices that can be raised and lowered with respect to the carriage.

Abstract: An improved front-drive reciprocating slat conveyor has a plurality of sets of longitudinally extending slats spaced across the width of a receptacle floor. A cross beam is secured to each set of slats. The cross beams are secured to rod extensions that are connected to the piston rods of a hydraulic drive system by non-alignment critical connectors. The cross beams have connecting elements that engage receiving elements on the slats. The connecting elements and receiving elements are held together by pins or similar connectors. A frame extends across the width of the receptacle. Bearing guides guide and align the rod extensions when the cylinder rods are extended or retracted.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a frame having a plurality of upstanding legs. At least one tray unit is carried on the frame. The tray unit includes at least one connector element. The conveyor further includes at least one clip connectable to the frame and having at least one attachment element configured to releasably engage the connector element of the tray. The connector elements can be spaced holes located along the sides of the tray unit. The attachment element can be a projection or tooth on the tray clip configured to selectively engage one or more of the holes on the side of the tray unit. The clip can include a locking arm to lock the tray to the clip to prevent the tray from sliding during use. The width of the frame and/or the tray unit can be adjusted.

Abstract: An adjustable over and under line feed system having a first end, a second end, a plurality of adjustable first support legs, a plurality of adjustable second support legs, and a plurality of adjustable support cross members connected substantially perpendicular to a corresponding one of the plurality of adjustable first support legs and a corresponding one of the plurality of adjustable second support legs, and a conveyor assembly positioned substantially perpendicular to the plurality of adjustable support cross members.

Abstract: A conveyor 10 is provided having a frame 12 with a first side and a second side. At least one extensible and retractable support 36 extends between the first and second sides such that a distance between the first and second sides is selectively adjustable. At least one conveyor tack 76 is removably carried on the frame 12.

Abstract: A lift system includes a first base member and a second base member movable relative to the first base member by a first pneumatic lift device. A lift platform is carried on the second base member and includes at least one guide member configured to engage a guide element on a cart to position the cart on the lift system. The system can also include a second lift device to tilt the cart on the lift system.