Abstract: A sweeping machine for mounting to a blower is adapted for sweeping debris, e.g., snow, from an area around an obstacle, e.g., fire hydrant. The sweeping machine comprises a rotating brush having an axis of rotation which is horizontal, a frame for the rotating brush, an arm extending from a proximal end to a distal end to which the frame is secured, a blower, and a pivoting mechanism secured to the blower. The pivoting mechanism is adapted to swivel the arm upwardly to lift the rotating brush and to swivel the arm within a horizontal plane to move the rotating brush horizontally relative to the blower. Thereby, the sweeping machine is adapted to sweep debris from the area around the obstacle by the rotating brush toward the blower which is itself adapted to blow the debris away from the obstacle.

Abstract: There is provided a system, installed on a vehicle or trailer, for performing an agricultural task. The system comprises a platform connecting to the vehicle or trailer and comprising a socket for an accessory. A plurality of accessories is provided, wherein one accessory is selected among them for installation in the accessory socket. A vision system is operatively connected to a computer and collects data of the environment about the accessory, the computer using the collected data to determine an instruction for performing the agricultural task and to send the instruction to the accessory installed in the accessory socket to perform the agricultural task. The accessory is interchangeable in the accessory socket depending on the agricultural task. The box handling stage and pallet mounting stage can be robotized for efficient automation.

Abstract: A sweeping machine for mounting to a blower is adapted for sweeping debris, e.g., snow, from an area around an obstacle, e.g., fire hydrant. The sweeping machine comprises a rotating brush having an axis of rotation which is horizontal, a frame for the rotating brush, an arm extending from a proximal end to a distal end to which the frame is secured, a blower, and a pivoting mechanism secured to the blower. The pivoting mechanism is adapted to swivel the arm upwardly to lift the rotating brush and to swivel the arm within a horizontal plane to move the rotating brush horizontally relative to the blower. Thereby, the sweeping machine is adapted to sweep debris from the area around the obstacle by the rotating brush toward the blower which is itself adapted to blow the debris away from the obstacle.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for securing a wheel to opposed sides of a container carrying frame. A pivoted wheel support arm is secured at a forward pivot end to a pivot pin retained in the frame. A wheel axle assembly is secured at the rear free end of the pivot arm and adapted to connect a wheel thereto and has a shock absorber connecting bracket. A shock absorber connecting member extends above the pivot pin and is pivotally displaceable in facial alignment with a stationary shock absorber connector secured to the frame. A shock absorber is retained captive between the shock absorber connecting member and the stationary shock absorber connector to absorb vertical displacement loads transmitted to the pivotal wheel support arm.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for securing a wheel to opposed sides of a container carrying frame. A pivoted wheel support arm is secured at a forward pivot end to a pivot pin retained in the frame. A wheel axle assembly is secured at the rear free end of the pivot arm and adapted to connect a wheel thereto and has a shock absorber connecting bracket. A shock absorber connecting member extends above the pivot pin and is pivotally displaceable in facial alignment with a stationary shock absorber connector secured to the frame. A shock absorber is retained captive between the shock absorber connecting member and the stationary shock absorber connector to absorb vertical displacement loads transmitted to the pivotal wheel support arm.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a freight container is comprised of a frame having a front frame section which is adapted to be coupled to a suitable road vehicle. A pair of displaceable horizontal side beams are secured to the front frame section and are provided with a hingeable rear gate formed by a pair of hinge arms. Each of the side beams has a suspension assembly to support a tandem wheel arrangement. Retractable vertical lifting piston cylinders are secured to a portion of the front frame and to the pair of hinge arms and are actuable to lift the pair of horizontal side beams and its wheels above a ground surface. Laterally extendable piston cylinders are also secured to the front frame and the hinge arms to displace the horizontal side beams outwardly and inwardly with respect to one another when lifted off the ground surface.