Abstract: A convertible ramp system facilitates transfer of personnel between spaced elevations. The ramp system includes a deck assembly, a convertible main ramp, and a convertible extension ramp. The convertible main ramp has a proximal end hinged to the deck assembly and a distal end adapted for being mechanically lifted and lowered relative to the deck assembly. Both the main ramp and the extension ramp incorporates an adjustable frame assembly and a series of simultaneously articulating foot treads carried by the frame assembly. The ramps are selectively convertible between a stairway configuration and a substantially flat and continuous runway configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attraction system that includes a walkway, a carrier disposed at a first side of the walkway, and a barrier disposed at a second side of the walkway opposite the first side. The carrier is configured to translate relative to the walkway, and the barrier is removably coupled to the carrier. Translation of the carrier relative to the walkway transitions the barrier between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A carrier system and method for assisting in handling cargo of a vehicle. A carrier container includes an interior storage space surrounded by a front side facing the rear of the vehicle, rear, left, right, and bottom sides, and an open top that allows access to the interior storage space with a lid that closes and opens the top. A carrier support structure mounted to the carrier container is inserted into the hitch of the vehicle and holds the top surface of the container flush with the cargo bed of the vehicle. The lid is opened to deploy a ramp stored inside which is anchored to the container so that it is flush with the top surface of the container and reaches the ground. The lid is closed and a bridge plate commonly hinged with the lid is deployed over any gap between the cargo bed and the container top, providing a continuous surface between the cargo bed and the ground for use by pets for ingress and egress of the vehicle and for handling cargo.

Abstract: A passenger cable transportation system, the cable system comprising: at least one cabin for transporting passengers; at least one station for passengers boarding and landing from the cabin; two lateral guides facing each other and configured to guide the cabin into the station along an advancing direction, wherein there is a clearance between the lateral guides and the cabin; and at least one blocking device configured to block the cabin in relation to the lateral guides at least along a direction transversal to the advancing direction level with at least one part of the station.

Abstract: Fall restraint equipment comprising a mobile access unit having a mobile platform portion, a ladder portion, and a cage portion. The components of the fall restraint equipment are formed from butterflying, lasering, cutting, bending, and/or stamping continuous pieces of tubular and sheet metal. The components of the mobile access unit are modular and include adapters of varying height that cause the mobile access unit to exhibit varying height. Also, the mobile access unit is adaptable so that it can roll in a first direction of orientation of the ladder or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A pet ramp system has a central pier and at least one ramp with an axle that is received in an axle receiver disposed near the top of the pier. The axle is disposed inwardly, in both a fore and aft direction and in a transverse direction, from a base perimeter of the pier. The pier's axle receiver(s) permit installation of the ramp axle when the ramp is in a vertical orientation, but the receiver(s) will not permit separation of the ramp from the pier when in use.

Abstract: A mobile fall protection unit can be maneuvered by hand and brought to a flatbed with readily deployable, temporary fences for worker fall protection. The mobile fall protection unit can include a chassis, which carries a frame, which in turn carries a ladder as well as selectively deployable fall protection devices for worker fall protection. The frame carries a pair of retractable fall barriers separated from each other by about the width of the back of the flatbed.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a mobile action sports ramp. The mobile action sports ramp includes an incline portion connected to a vehicle portion by a hinge. The incline portion includes a lower incline portion connected to an upper incline portion by a hinge. The lower incline portion folds onto the upper incline portion and the incline portion then rests upon the vehicle portion when the mobile action sports ramp is collapsed and capable of transportation. The lower incline portion unfolds into alignment with the upper incline portion and the incline portion then raises up when the mobile action sports ramp is erected and capable of use in various action sports. Methods for erecting and collapsing a mobile action sports ramp are also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable leg assembly for a loading dock ramp member having an elongate, adjustable housing with incremental slots, a hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump with a cylinder fully contained within the housing and a handle for operation of the hydraulic system. The leg assembly also includes a lock bracket for insertion into the slots to contact the cylinder for even distribution of compression loads. A user pumps the handle to actuate the hydraulic system and thereby adjust the loading dock to the desired height.

Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for loading and unloading vehicles includes a pair of ramp sections pivotally secured to each other by a hinge assembly and a dolly also secured to the hinge assembly which assists in deploying and stowing the ramp assembly and also in supporting the sections of the ramp assembly as the ramp is used to load and unload a vehicle.

Abstract: An unloading device to unload an object includes a mainframe device having a mainframe bottom wall and a pallet Jack device to lift the mainframe device. The mainframe device may include a bulkhead plate which pivots with respect to the mainframe bottom wall. The pallet Jack device may include a pair of opposing pallet Jack legs to lift the mainframe device.

Abstract: A mobile loading dock including a planar ramp member having an underside with a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a tension spring, hydraulic member, a leg hingedly attached to the ramp underside and a wheel attached to the leg. The tension spring exerts a pulling force on the leg and wheel and the hydraulic member exerts a pushing force. The combined forces are directionally disposed to erect the wheel assembly when the lower end of the mobile loading dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position.

Abstract: A mobile loading dock for a vehicle including a load-bearing, fixed frame with a support plate connected to diagonal supports and horizontal support members. The dock has a planar ramp member with an underside including a wheel assembly. The assembly has a tension spring and hydraulic member attached to the underside. The tension spring exerts a pulling force and the hydraulic member exerts a pushing force. The combined forces are directionally disposed to erect the assembly when the lower end of the dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position.

Abstract: A gangway construction 1 for providing access between a vessel 3 and an offshore object 33 comprises a support frame 2 and a movably guided gangway 10. A guiding assembly comprises an upper and lower rotatable pulley wheel 5, 6. A first cable 8 is connected to the frame or the gangway at a forward and backward connecting position 16, 17 and extends in a longitudinal direction between this forward and backward connecting position. With this the first cable 8 extends from its forward connecting position 16 towards the lower pulley wheel 6, is guided in for example a counter clockwise direction along at least part of the circumference of the lower pulley wheel 6 and in for example a clockwise direction over at least part of the circumference of the upper pulley wheel 5, and from the upper pulley wheel 5 extends towards its backward connecting position 17.

Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.

Abstract: A mobile boarding bridge (101) is equipped with climate control facilities. The mobile boarding bridge is furnished with multiple collapsible tunnels (110, 120). A heating/cooling device (160) comprising a climate controller (161) generates hot or cold air and is furnished on the outside of the first tunnel (110) of said tunnels. A connection pipe (163) that connects to ducts (164) within the tunnel is attached to said climate controller (161). A duct (164) connected to said connection pipe (163) directs air that has been heated/cooled by the heating-cooling device (160) to the interior of the first tunnel (110). An aspirator comprises an air intake (171) which intakes air from the interior of the tunnel and an intake pipe (172) which leads air taken in at said air intake (171) to the interior of the climate controller (161).

Abstract: A portable unloading dock including a lower frame, a first post member, a second post member, a support linkage, a curved ramp, one or more power generators, one or more first wheel apparatus, and one or more second wheel apparatus each independently mechanically coupled to the second ramp frame member. The portable unloading dock is used to transfer one or more wheeled objects from a first elevation to a second elevation. A method of using the portable unloading dock is also provided.

Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.

Abstract: A repositionable loading dock pit seal panel comprising: (a) a repositionable pit seal panel including a substantially incompressible height and width sized to substantially span an entire vertical dimension and substantially span an entire widthwise dimension of a loading dock pit to substantially close off a cross-sectional area of the loading dock pit when the repositionable pit seal panel is in a barrier position, where the repositionable pit seal panel is repositionably mounted to at least one of an overhead door, a surface partially defining the loading dock pit, and a surface adjacent to the loading dock pit, where the repositionable pit seal panel is repositionable between the barrier position inhibiting horizontal use of a vertically stored dock leveler and a storage position allowing horizontal use of the vertically stored dock leveler, where the repositionable pit seal panel in the barrier position cooperates with the overhead door to close off a loading dock opening defined by a loading dock doorw

Abstract: It is an object to provide a boarding bridge that can guide passengers to a predetermined gangway at the distal end and in which safety can be improved. A boarding bridge is provided which includes a proximal-end tunnel and a distal-end tunnel telescopically fitted together and capable of relative movement in a longitudinal direction; and a traveling unit mounted at the lower part of a movable leg that supports the distal-end tunnel and moving the movable leg by traveling; wherein the traveling unit includes a pair of traveling devices disposed with a certain distance therebetween in the widthwise direction of the distal-end tunnel, the traveling devices each having an axle rotatable about a vertically extending axis, a plurality of tires rotatably mounted to the axle with a certain distance therebetween, and a traveling motor that rotationally drives the axle; and a rotation synchronizing member that synchronizes the rotation angles of the axles in the pair of traveling devices.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a boarding bridge in which differences in level are eliminated between walkway portions of adjacent gangway units so that falling or the like of passengers can be prevented. A boarding bridge is provided in which a proximal-end tunnel and a distal-end tunnel are telescopically fitted and extend and contract by relative movement in a longitudinal direction, wherein, of the proximal-end tunnel and the distal-end tunnel, a variable-length walkway of the distal-end tunnel located on the outside is configured to move between a passage position set at a predetermined height and an outside-of-passage position located lower than the passage position; and the longitudinal length of the passage portion is changed in accordance with a moving distance along with the movement relative to the proximal-end tunnel.

Abstract: A detachable wheel system for a loading ramp is provided. The system comprises wheels which are easily attached for moving the ramp and detached from the ramp for storage. Also, the ramp surface can be provided with a serrated surface for additional grip for users of the ramp.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a portable docking station function for transferring items. The portable docking station may be suitably sized for the application of interest; however, for the preferred embodiment the portable docking station is about the size of a typical parking space. Embodiments of the invention include devices comprising a ramp with an automatic lowering system, lifting system and electronic modules for performing a variety of functions.

Abstract: A liftable vehicle provided with a single cab wherein both the operator/driver of the vehicle and the load and/or passengers (in general, disabled persons) are positioned. The cab is operatively connected with a flatbed bearing the engine and the means for lifting the cab with respect to said flatbed. The vehicle is further provided with platforms/gangways for boarding and disembarking persons or for loading and unloading cargo in general and/or in particular for use in airports.

Abstract: This invention includes a connection device for securing a ramp to a vehicle. The connection device has a bracket with an upper surface opposite a lower surface. The bracket is configured to be releasably secured to the ramp. A pivot pin extends from the lower surface of the bracket has an end spaced from the bracket. The end of the pivot pin is configured to be received in an opening of a cargo bed in the vehicle. The bracket is capable of being pivoted about the pivot pin along a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a boarding bridge that can guide passengers to a predetermined gangway at the distal end and in which safety can be improved. A boarding bridge is provided which includes a proximal-end tunnel and a distal-end tunnel telescopically fitted together and capable of relative movement in a longitudinal direction; and a traveling unit mounted at the lower part of a movable leg that supports the distal-end tunnel and moving the movable leg by traveling; wherein the traveling unit includes a pair of traveling devices disposed with a certain distance therebetween in the widthwise direction of the distal-end tunnel, the traveling devices each having an axle rotatable about a vertically extending axis, a plurality of tires rotatably mounted to the axle with a certain distance therebetween, and a traveling motor that rotationally drives the axle; and a rotation synchronizing member that synchronizes the rotation angles of the axles in the pair of traveling devices.

Abstract: A commuter train ferry system includes a train engine. A plurality of boxcars is joinable to each other and to the train engine to form the commuter train ferry. Each of the boxcars includes a plurality of decks for transporting a plurality of vehicles and their occupants during a commuter trip. At least one ramp includes a plurality of driving surfaces for accessing the plurality of decks for loading and unloading the vehicles and their occupants from the boxcars where the occupants of the vehicles load and unload the vehicles from the boxcars and remain within the vehicles for at least a part of the commuter trip.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a portable docking station function for transferring items. The portable docking station may be suitably sized for the application of interest; however, for the preferred embodiment the portable docking station is about the size of a typical parking space. Embodiments of the invention include devices comprising a ramp with an automatic lowering system, lifting system and electronic modules for performing a variety of functions.

Abstract: This invention provides a mobile wheelchair ramp comprising: (a) a main body comprising first and second ends and sides; (b) at least one wheel secured beneath the main body; (c) hand rails; and (d) at least one pair of legs for grounding the ramp; where the ramp can be transformed from an extended position to a stowed position.

Abstract: A floor section is formed at the rear of a vehicle body, at one side of the vehicle body. A lifting floor device having a floor body lifted and lowered by a lifting drive device is placed above the vehicle body. The floor body has a cutout at the left side of the floor body, at the rear half thereof. The right side of the floor body is used as a passage for a physically handicapped person. A stairway device is provided between the floor body and the floor section as a passage for an able-bodied person, on the floor body side in the cutout, and the stairway device is pivotable in a vertical plane. A lifting table is placed behind the vehicle body, on the left side thereof so that the lifting table can face the rear end of the passage for a physically handicapped person.

Abstract: A device for a gangway construction is described, which is characterised in that it is composed of a number of sections, each comprising a polygonal frame, one connected to the frame formed as a landing, and a gangway, the one end of which is hinge-connected to the frame/landing while the other end is set up to rest against the frame/landing of an underlying frame, and the construction is arranged to be readjusted between a folded position where the sections are lying on top of each other, as in a stack of frames, with each gangway inserted in the frame, and an active, using position where the frames are set up a distance apart so that the gangways form a suitable angle between adjoining landings/frames. Also described are a section for building a gangway construction, a railing construction and also applications of the invention.

Abstract: A running mechanism of a passenger boarding bridge and a control method thereof are provided. The running mechanism includes a beam, two rotary supporting members, and two running wheel sets. Each of the rotary supporting members is pivotally connected to one end of the beam, and connected to the respective running wheel set also. The running mechanism includes four driving devices for driving four running wheels, respectively. The control method is used to provide a matching control for the four running wheels, such that no sliding friction is generated between the running wheels and a ground surface when the passenger boarding bridge is turning.

Abstract: A bridging device (10) for providing a bridging surface (12) between two points comprising a stack of interjoined beams (14) housed in a retracted position in a housing (11) mounted at a first point; and a drive system that drives the beams (14) to slide one over the other to telescopically extend out of the housing (11) from the retracted position to an extended position to thereby form a bridging surface (12) to a second point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ramp-platform device for an on-board relocatable small vehicle inspection system. The ramp-platform device includes a connection frame having a rectangular shape and defining therein an inner space, first and second intermediate parts which are disposed in parallel with each other and at two opposite sides of the connection frame, first to fourth ramp parts having a substantially triangle shaped longitudinal section. The first and second ramp parts are removably connected to the two opposite ends of the first intermediate part separately, and the third and fourth ramp parts are removably connected to the two opposite ends of the second intermediate part separately. The height of a top end of the first to the fourth ramp parts is substantially equal to the height of the first and second intermediate parts.

Abstract: Passenger boarding bridges have adjustable walkways that are elevated high above the ground when servicing aircraft doorways. Passenger safety is improved by automatically stabilizing the passenger boarding bridge when it is in an aligned condition. A method for automatically stabilizing the passenger boarding bridge includes moving the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge into an aligned relationship relative to the doorway of an aircraft. The aligned relationship between the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge and the doorway of the aircraft is detected automatically. Adjustable jacks, which are fixedly mounted to the passenger boarding bridge wheel carriage, are actuated between a retracted condition and an extended condition. In the extended condition, the adjustable jacks engage a ground surface below the passenger boarding bridge, thereby increasing the stability of the passenger boarding bridge.

Abstract: One end of a passenger bridge or a goods-handling device of mobile type can be expediently and securely connected to a door on a craft, especially an aircraft, by determining the position of the door in relation to a reference point on the craft and storing it in a computer system. Furthermore, the absolute position of the door when the craft has come to a halt and the passenger bridge or the goods-handling device is to be connected, is determined by measuring the distance from a reference point on the ground to the craft. Finally, the computer system guides the passenger bridge to the door of the craft, the position of the end of the passenger bridge or the goods-handling device being determined during the guiding operation and inputted into the computer system.

Abstract: A telescoping ramp assembly incorporates one or more sloping deck ramp sections which nest inside one another; are mounted on wheels; and have pull-up/fold-down railing sections which rise/lower and link/unlink as the ramp sections, powered manually or by way of a motor, retract and extend upon a firm surface from underneath a housing porch which itself is fixed to the entrance way of a home or building.

Abstract: A portable unloading dock for trucks including a frame structure, including a pair of trusses and lateral members supporting a ramp having an elevated end and a ground engaging end. The dock includes a plurality of wheels supporting the dock for manual movement, which are positioned inwardly from both ends of the ramp. A pair of linear actuators attached to the elevated end of the ramp having a contact foot for engaging the ground and lifting the elevated end of the ramp off its wheels and a plurality of adjustable length stabilizing legs mounted on the frame structure for ground engaging support when the dock is lifted off its wheels.

Abstract: A gangway includes a ladder, which is removably attachable to extend along a side of a boat, and a ramp, which is removably and pivotally attachable to the ladder at a number of vertically spaced locations. The ladder may include a step that is pivoted to extend outward for use with the ramp attached at or below the step. The gangway may also include a removable step that can be attached to the ladder at the locations provided for attachment of the ladder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling passenger flow into and out of an aircraft. The apparatus can include a walkway elongated along a longitudinal axis and having a first portion and a second portion with the first portion configured to be positioned adjacent to an aircraft doorway. The walkway can have a width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis sized to accommodate at least two people walking abreast. A restriction can be coupled to the walkway and can extend along the longitudinal axis to divide the walkway into a first aisle and a second aisle with each aisle being elongated along the longitudinal axis and with the restriction at least restricting movement by people from the first aisle to the second aisle. The restriction can be moveable relative to the walkway between a stowed position and a deployed position and can include elements such as upright members, transverse handrails, and/or flexible planar sheets.

Abstract: An extensible loading bridge for passenger loading having at least two extensible sections for supporting aircraft from an airport terminal at ground level. A wheeled gantry is located at the aircraft facing end of the aircraft facing section. The gantry provides linear movement of the aircraft facing section along the walkway, arcuate movement about the substantially vertical axis and means for lifting or lowering the aircraft facing end of the aircraft facing section. The wheeled gantry allows lowering of the aircraft facing end of the bottom of the aircraft facing section to a height above ground being approximately equal or less than a gantry wheel diameter.

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 wheeled elevator platform for use in loading and unloading highway trucks from and to a loading dock at a merchandise storage facility. The elevator includes folding ramps, hydraulically operated lifting arms to raise and lower the elevator platform, a plurality of screw jacks to level the platform, and bumpers to absorb the forces of a truck accidentally colliding with the apparatus.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The vehicles are loaded from the ground by use of a movable ramp that is positioned next to a separate coupler end of the rail road car. The ramp has a locating guide, in the nature of a pair of tapered prongs, that locate in mating sockets in the end of the rail road car. The co-operation of the guides and sockets forces the ramp to align with the deck of the rail road car in a predetermined position, namely aligned centrally with the deck. The ramp has a telescoping, pivoting boom. The boom has a hitch that can be engaged by a towing vehicle, permitting the ramp to be moved into position as desired. The boom can then be collapsed and lowered out of the way of the path of the wheeled vehicles. The boom is counterweighted to facilitate manual operation.

Abstract: The Geared Wheelchair Ramp is a wheelchair lift system designed to be a substitute for conventional ramps used to allow accessibility between floor levels. The key of the invention is a gearing system that allows the occupant of a modified wheelchair to go up or down moderate level changes under his own power using the same or less effort required for a conventional ramp. The advantage being that the geared wheelchair ramp requires only a small fraction of the space and is less expensive than a conventional ramp.