Abstract: A loading ramp for a vehicle that includes at least three articulated sections. The ramp is assembled to and stored on a floor of the vehicle. The ramp is extended from the vehicle with at least one section being retained on the floor. The sections outboard of the vehicle are retained in alignment at a ramp angle with the first section being pivoted relative to the last floor retained section to the ramp angle. A power extension and retraction device may be provided that drives the loading ramp reciprocally relative to the vehicle. Side edge guards are provided on the sides of the loading ramp and may be folded over when the loading ramp is stored.

Abstract: A composite a deck system having a deck component and a concrete component. The deck component of the present invention includes deck sections, each having a longitudinally-extending rib with spaced apart sidewalls connected to a top wall. At the opposing ends of the sidewalls can be included side edges or webs having upturned flanges with an opening or openings along the flanges that are dimensioned to facilitate composite action between the deck sections and the concrete. The system includes a first deck section, as described, adjacent to a second deck section, wherein the side edges of the first and second deck sections are in juxtaposed relation. These deck sections can be combined with concrete to form a composite deck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a motorized vehicle, such as a wheelchair, between the loading bridge and cargo bin of an aircraft in a timely manner. According to one embodiment of the invention, a metal cage assembly is implemented with a drop down ramp at the front and an adjustable floor that is raised by a lever handle on either side, outside of the frame. The assembly can be attached to an end of aircraft cargo belt loader by a strap that is wrapped around the belt frame and tightened via a ratcheting clamp. The adjustable floor can be raised or lowered at one end to offset the angle of the belt loader when it is raised to an upright position, for example, to reach a galley door of an aircraft. Angling of the adjustable floor can allow the floor to be substantially parallel to the loading bridge or aircraft cargo bin, thereby enabling the easy transfer of a motorized wheelchair to and from various compartments of the aircraft.

Abstract: An engagement structure adapted for securement to the end of an aircraft boarding bridge includes a floor, a first floor panel rotatably associated with the floor, and a second floor panel displaceably associated with the floor. The second floor panel is preferably mechanically associated with a drive assembly adapted for displacing the second floor panel relative to the first floor panel to provide a dimensionally adjustable floor area of a boarding bridge proximate the interface of the bridge and an aircraft serviced by the bridge. The engagement structure is adapted to accommodate the docking of the boarding bridge with aircraft having varied entry door configurations.

Abstract: The apparatus is employed for moving baggage from a scale to a conveyor system. A support member with upper rollers is supported on the scale. Also provided is a bridge base and a bridge having one end pivotally coupled to the forward end of the bridge base. Both the bridge base and bridge have upper rollers. The bridge may be moved to an upward extending position when not in use and to a lower position extending to and supported by the conveyor system such that bags may be placed on the support member, weighed, and then moved by way of the rollers of the support member, the bridge base and the bridge to the conveyor system. In one embodiment, a biasing means is provided for urging the bridge to its upward extending position. A releasable latch is provided for securing the bridge in its lower position. When the latch is released, the biasing means moves the bridge to its upward extending position.

Abstract: A playground apparatus having a departure platform accessible by a person in a wheelchair, a transfer platform at a remote location, conveyor to transport the person between the platforms and a play apparatus to return to the departure platform. The conveyor is unidirectional to permit only upward movement and a handrail extends along the conveyor for pushing or pulling upwardly. The conveyor is inclined, having a belt on rollers, one of which is unidirectional. A clutch in the roller permits movement of the belt only in the upward direction. A handrail is used is used to pull or push upwardly and a slide used to return the person to the departure platform and the wheelchair.

Abstract: A ramp stowable beneath the floor of a vehicle is normally power driven between retracted and extended positions. The drive, or propelling, mechanism for the ramp provides for the ramp to be manually disconnected from the propelling mechanism for manual extension and retraction in the event of a power failure in the system.

Abstract: A conveyance loading apparatus for conveying passengers to and from an aircraft. The apparatus includes an elevated chamber with a sidewall structure. The sidewall structure includes a plurality of access openings so that passengers can enter and exit the chamber. One or more covered stairways are connected to one or more of the access openings for enabling passengers to have access to the chamber from ground level. The elevated chamber can be aligned with the open end of a conventional aircraft loading bridge. One or more covered stairways are connected to respective access openings for enabling passengers to have access to the chamber from ground level. A covered walkway is connected to a stairway at ground level.

Abstract: A man crossover for belt conveyors used in underground mines, the conveyors comprising spaced groups of belt-supporting rollers connected along each side of the conveyor by cables, comprises a light-weight frame and deck spanning the conveyor belt and supported above the upper flight thereof on the side cables. The supporting member at each end of the man crossover rests on its cable and is contoured to fit over it. The supporting members are locked in place on the cables with removable fittings. The man crossover deck is provided with handrails on each side. A man using the man crossover grasps the handrails with both hands, leans over the man crossover on his stomach and pushes himself onto the deck with his feet. He pulls himself over by the handrails swinging his legs around to the other end, and slides off, feet first.

Abstract: Prior known enclosed conveyors have had a conventional belt conveyor mounted on a structural framework resting on a series of support columns known in the art as bents. A housing or gallery, as it is known in the art, consisting of a roof, side walls and optionally a floor, is constructed on structural members around the conveyor covered by a protective material. Often times, the housing is large enough to accomodate a walk-way alongside the conveyor. In each instance, however, both the housing and the conveyor are supported by structural members and not by the protective covering material of the housing. There have been instances of short spans of enclosed conveyors using solid longitudinal members as side and top walls as well as for support, but these spans have no internal stabilizing members to prevent undesirable distortion of the conveyor housing.