Abstract: A fully adjustable conveyor system for transporting loose items of cargo which are to be manually loaded or unloaded by a worker. In one embodiment, the conveyor system includes a powered device, such as a driveable, maneuverable tug which is provided with a vertically adjustable operator platform, expandable and vertically adjustable first and second powered conveyor units. In a second embodiment, the conveyor system includes an electrically powered mobile base frame which is provided with an adjustable operator platform, a vertically adjustable first conveyor, and a flexible expandable second conveyor. The conveyor system of the present invention includes a control system for positioning the conveyor system at the optimum height and location for efficiently loading and unloading cargo and significantly reducing the risk of strain and injury to the workers handling the cargo.

Abstract: A multiple section conveyor for the positioning of loose items for manual loading or stacking is, in combination, a first, telescoping gravity fed conveyor connected with a second powered elevated and delivery conveyor, controlled by the arrival of objects at the end of the second powered conveyor. The combination is coupled to a mobile, powered elevating work platform, to provide cargo items to a work crew at a controlled rate and at a proper height for safest handling, over the range of motions and elevations of the work platform.

Abstract: A process for increasing the shipping efficiency of an interleaved or herringbone rick of tires includes the steps of forming a herringbone rick within a container or enclosed restraint, then compressing the rick with a horizontal wedge or plate. Typical compression percentages range up past 30 percent reduction in height. The space above the compressed rick is then filled with an additional rick, or the compressed rick is banded or fastened to an underlying pallet. The compressing plate is withdrawn from the rick. The resulting compressed rick increases the efficiency of shipping tires, with no resulting damage.

Abstract: A mechanism for cutting a tire carcass into small sections for disposal. An array of adjoining female die sections has knife edges forming the sides of each die and shearing sections forming the corners of each die. Matching, shearing fit male punches opposingly face each die and material clasping anvils extend through each die facing the punches. A tire carcass is placed between the anvils and the punches. The anvils and punches are actuated against each other clamping the tire carcass. Punch pressure overrides the opposing anvil pressure, driving the combination of anvil, carcass and punch through the die. The forward extending knife edges penetrate the rubber of the carcass, shearing the rubber as the carcass is held taut between the anvils and the punches. The punches then proceed through the die, shearing the reinforcing cords against the corner shearing sections. The clamping action of the anvils and punches substantially prevents the carcass from escaping the cutter.

Abstract: This invention discloses an improved form of tire compaction apparatus in which comprises an open frame, motorized work platform having an extremely short turning radius. The platform has an elevatable work floor, open for easy access by, and support of, one or two workmen; on one end the apparatus is provided with a tire compaction apparatus of our invention; the opposite end is provided with a raisable cargo platform for supporting either a unitized pallet of cargo for repacking or for positioning a controllable conveyor end for delivering products to be repackaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the volumetric efficiency of a shipping container of standard tire carcasses is shown as a powered attachment to a standard warehouse tug or forklift. A horizontally extending steel plate, extending forward from the front of the tug, is powered for vertical motion by a double action, two stage hydraulic cylinder. The plate is enclosed by tightly fitting sliding stripper bars, which are spring-loaded into both the top and bottom surface of the plate; the stripper bars have a bronze wiper bushing at the point of contact with the plate, and are powered for wiping motion across the plate by a pair of balanced hydraulic cylinders.A vertical set of powered outriggers is installed on vertically acting hydraulic cylinders to provide a reacting force against the roof or side wall corners of a shipping container.In use, a standard, interleaved rick of tires is installed in a normal manner within a container.