Elevating And Tilting Patents (Class 298/11)
  • Patent number: 11684444
    Abstract: A height-adjustable kick bucket is disclosed. The kick bucket includes a receptacle, a base having one or more wheels, a support member that is extendable between a first length and a second length such that a height of the receptacle is adjustable between a minimum height and a maximum height, and a pedal movable between a first position when the receptacle is at a maximum height of the receptacle and a second position when the receptacle is at a minimum height. Additionally, a distance between the minimum height and the maximum height of the receptacle is at least twice as large as the pedal stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Fazel Yavari, Brian James VanDerWoude, Dennis B. Meyer, Whitney-Lexia Potts
  • Patent number: 11198569
    Abstract: An agricultural system includes a carrier configured to transport an agricultural cart to a position proximate to or within an agricultural field. The carrier includes a rotatable base and is configured to receive the agricultural cart on the rotatable base in a docking position. The carrier is configured to move the agricultural cart from the docking position to an unloading position to unload agricultural product from within the agricultural cart to a storage bin via rotation of the rotatable base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Pinakin Desai, Kevin David Monk, Stephen Michael Faivre, Nathan Taylor, David W. Larson
  • Patent number: 11167607
    Abstract: A body prop assembly for supporting portions of a tilting trailer assembly. Said body prop assembly comprising a body prop, a hinge assembly, two sidetracks. Said body prop assembly configured to attach to said tilting trailer assembly between tilting portions and a trailer platform. Said tilting portions selectively rotate with respect to said trailer platform on a tilting hinge. Said tilting hinge defines a tilting axis of said tilting trailer assembly. Said body prop is configured to selectively hold a portion of said tilting portions at an incline. Lower guides are configured to slide through portions of said two sidetracks in order to adjust a lower portion of said body prop assembly. Said body prop comprises an upper portion, a side portions and said lower guides. Said upper portion is substantially parallel with said lower guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventors: Landon Roberts, Leland Carl Sutton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10906448
    Abstract: A dumper vehicle includes: a frame comprising a front end and a rear end; front and rear wheels mounted to the frame; an operator seat mounted to the frame; and an open topped container for carrying a load therein mounted to the frame between the front and rear wheels, wherein the container is moveable between a transport position for transporting a load and a discharge position for discharging of a load; wherein the container defines an upper extent thereof, and wherein said upper extent of the container decreases in height with respect to a lower extent of the wheels towards the front end of the frame, when the container is in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: JC Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Simon J. Ratcliffe, Christopher J. Streat, Richard J. Brindle
  • Patent number: 10640030
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a translating cargo assembly for a vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may include a translation mechanism, which may be affixed to a cargo frame of the vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may also include a carrier frame that is coupled with the translation mechanism and configured to mate with cargo implements. A drive mechanism, such as a rotary actuator, may be coupled with the translation mechanism. The rotary actuator may be effective to translate the carrier frame through a range of positions including a transport position, in which the carrier frame may be adjacent to the cargo frame, and a loading position, in which the carrier frame may be proximate ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Royce A. Steinert, Brian R. Funk, David L. Marshall
  • Patent number: 10494171
    Abstract: A lift interface device for releasably coupling a vehicle to a container, the vehicle of the type engaging the container through a passage under the container, the lift interface device comprises a base adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A frame is positioned over the vehicle and connected to the base with at least a rotational joint adjacent to a leading end of the lift interface device, such that the frame is movable from a coupling orientation to a raised orientation, the frame comprising at least one support surface for supporting the container when the frame is rotated toward the raised configuration, and a container connector at a trailing end of the lift interface device adapted to be used for releasably connecting the container to the frame when the frame is rotated toward the raised configuration; and an actuation unit to rotate and hold the frame relative to the base at desired orientations between the coupling orientation and the raised orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Fabien Lavoie
    Inventor: Fabien Lavoie
  • Patent number: 10272815
    Abstract: A trailer with a trailer bed (2) and a wheel axis (4) that is mounted on a shaft (3), wherein the trailer bed (2) along with the shaft (3) and the wheel axis (4) are connected by a lifting device (10), the lifting device (10) is pivotable around the wheel axis (4) mounted on the shaft (3), the trailer bed (2) is tiltable around a hanging axis (14) connected with the lifting device (10), which hanging axis (14) is mounted fixed with the trailer bed (2), and the distance (B) between the hanging axis (14) and the wheel axis (4) is at least equal to the distance (D/2) between the wheel axis (4) and the front-end (7) of the trailer bed (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: TRIMORK, GEWONE COMMANDITAIRE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventor: Ludo Leopold Louisa De Ceuster
  • Patent number: 10151156
    Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus and method for using the pipe handling apparatus is described. The pipe handling apparatus can be used by putting a boom of the pipe handling apparatus in a nesting position. The boom of the pipe handling apparatus is pivotally mounted to a base and at least one arm. In the nesting position, a pivot point between the at least one arms and the boom is moved within an elongated slot of the boom and the length of the at least one arm is simultaneously adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Gordon Bros. Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gordon, Bobby Fisk, Ronald Gillespie, Charles Harjo, David Williams
  • Patent number: 10005381
    Abstract: A sideloader liftgate system automatically extends a stabilizer leg when a liftgate is deployed, and automatically retracts the stabilizer leg when the liftgate is stored. Adjustment of the liftgate and stabilizer leg is carried out in response to a single user command. The invention prevents a user from forgetting to extend the stabilizer leg for safely using the liftgate, and also prevents a user from forgetting to retract the stabilizer leg before towing the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Palfinger Liftgates, LLC
    Inventors: Hakan Peterson, Michael C. Jones
  • Patent number: 9963307
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a user height adjustable container support system having an elevated upper base, where the upper base is designed to receive and hingedly couple to a container so that a user may tilt the container while the upper base supports the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Phillip Stoloff
  • Patent number: 9370929
    Abstract: An inkjet printing system includes: a plurality of print head cartridges; a print head chassis for supporting the plurality of print head cartridges; a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the print head chassis between a printing position, a transition position, and a maintenance position; and a maintenance chassis supporting a chassis sub-frame having a corresponding plurality of maintenance cradles; and a sub-frame movement mechanism for slidably moving the chassis sub-frame with respect to the maintenance chassis. In the transition position, the print head chassis is held at a height, relative to a platen, that allows the maintenance chassis to be moved from a storage position to an operational positional under the print head chassis. Further, in the operational position, the sub-frame movement mechanism aligns a capper or a wiper with a respective printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Memjet Technology Limited
    Inventors: Mark Profaca, Julian Paul Kolodko, William John Stacey, Stephen John Sleijpen, Craig Donald Strudwicke, Neil Fyfe Edwards, Lance Thomas Brown, Toby Desmond Oste, Eric Patrick O'Donnell, Peter John Morley Sobey, David Bernardi, James Andrew
  • Patent number: 9340138
    Abstract: A towable trailer has a main frame and an inner frame, and a scissors-type lift structure between them so as to elevate the inner frame above the main frame. A first hydraulic cylinder is used to actuate the scissor-type lift in order to raise the inner frame. A second hydraulic cylinder is also preferably provided in order to raise the front end of the inner frame, so as to provide a towable trailer having a tiltable and raisable platform which can be more easily loaded and unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Piotr Piekny
  • Patent number: 8939699
    Abstract: In a construction machine, a boom assist cylinder (7A) assists an operation of a boom (4) by a hydraulic pressure, and an arm assist cylinder (8A) assists an operation of an arm (5) by a hydraulic pressure. An accumulator (16) accumulates operation oil to be supplied to the boom assist cylinder and the arm assist cylinder in a pressurized state. A first hydraulic pipe (14) connects between the boom assist cylinder and the arm assist cylinder. A second hydraulic pipe (12) connects between the arm assist cylinder and the accumulator. The second hydraulic pipe is connected to a hydraulic connection port of the arm assist cylinder so that the operation oil is supplied in a direction of closing the arm from the accumulator to the arm assist cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichiro Tsukane
  • Patent number: 8876216
    Abstract: A towable dump trailer is provided. The towable dump trailer comprises a first, second and third frame. The first frame comprises one or more sets of wheels. The second frame is attached to the tow vehicle and can be displaced horizontally relative to the first frame by the towing vehicle moving rearward or forward. The third frame provides a support frame for the trailer bed. The dump trailer is operated by immobilizing the first frame and causing the second frame to move horizontally relative to the first frame. This horizontal displacement causes the third frame to rotate as a result of one or more rear torque arms translating the horizontal movement to rotational movement. The dump trailer can be configured to provide a dumping action by either forward or rearward horizontal displacement of the second frame relative to the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: All Right Steel, LLC
    Inventor: Larry L. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20120280557
    Abstract: A towable dump trailer is provided. The towable dump trailer comprises a first, second and third frame. The first frame comprises one or more sets of wheels. The second frame is attached to the tow vehicle and can be displaced horizontally relative to the first frame by the towing vehicle moving rearward or forward. The third frame provides a support frame for the trailer bed. The dump trailer is operated by immobilizing the first frame and causing the second frame to move horizontally relative to the first frame. This horizontal displacement causes the third frame to rotate as a result of one or more rear torque arms translating the horizontal movement to rotational movement. The dump trailer can be configured to provide a dumping action by either forward or rearward horizontal displacement of the second frame relative to the first frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: All Right Steel, LLC
    Inventor: Larry L. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20120195735
    Abstract: A tailgate shoveling apparatus includes a containment bed mounted on a vehicle for contained material therein, and a tailgate shoveling platform pivotably attached proximate an end of the containment bed. The tailgate shoveling platform pivots between two positions rotationally offset by substantially more than 90 degrees in relation to each other. The tailgate shoveling platform substantially prevents material from spilling out of the containment bed in a first position. In a second position, the tailgate shoveling platform provides a platform configured to hold a portion of the material contained in the containment bed at an ergonomic shoveling height relative to a user standing on ground level. Once a desired amount of material has been removed from the platform, the tailgate shoveling platform may return unused material back into the containment bed as the tailgate shoveling platform moves back into the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Daigle
  • Patent number: 8215717
    Abstract: A towable dump trailer is provided. The towable dump trailer comprises a first, second and third frame. The first frame comprises one or more sets of wheels. The second frame is attached to the tow vehicle and can be displaced horizontally relative to the first frame by the towing vehicle moving rearward or forward. The third frame provides a support frame for the trailer bed. The dump trailer is operated by immobilizing the first frame and causing the second frame to move horizontally relative to the first frame. This horizontal displacement causes the third frame to pivot as a result of one or more pivoting arms translating the horizontal movement to pivotal movement. The dump trailer can be configured to provide a dumping action by either forward or rearward horizontal displacement of the second frame relative to the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: All Right Steel, LLC
    Inventor: Larry L. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8070234
    Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Bins, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory D. Tuel, William B. Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20090236897
    Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory D. Tuel, William B. Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20080238180
    Abstract: An apparatus generally includes a dump frame pivotably coupled to a vehicle's chassis, and a slide frame slidably coupled to the dump frame. The apparatus further includes at least one slide frame actuator for causing sliding movement of the slide frame, and at least one dump frame actuator for causing pivotal movement of the dump frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: David G. Kraenzle
  • Publication number: 20080217985
    Abstract: The invention provides a bin for transporting and off-loading a load such as ore and coal. The bin includes two parts, a load bearing floor part of which at least a portion slopes downward to a side of the floor and an enclosure part having a wall, this part being configured so that the lower end of the wall is complementary to the floor, with the two parts together, in use, defining a bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Leslie James Botha
  • Patent number: 7325389
    Abstract: A high-clearance dump system is described for use with a riding mower. A folding lift assembly lifts the catcher box up and away from the riding mower to allow dumping over and away from the walls of a truck or other receiving vehicle. The folding lift assembly interfolds into the dumping catcher assembly and the dump system mount assembly thus providing a low-profile when in the lowered position. A lift pivot arm, and lift control rods that are shorter than the lift pivot arm, cause the catcher frame to be tilted at an obtuse angle with respect to the lift pivot arm so that the back end of the catcher frame is higher than the front end of the catcher frame when the lift pivot arm is raised, thus providing high clearance. A power system provides power a switch box that switches power between a lift cylinder and a dump cylinder so that the catcher may be dumped in a raised, partially raised, or lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Walker Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Dean M. Walker
  • Patent number: 6880894
    Abstract: An improved dump trailer hinge design for use in asphalt paving applications is disclosed. The hinge system may be used on dump or straight trailers having half or full trailer frames. The trailer dump bed is hingeably mounted to the trailer frame by hinge arms having a length greater than the vertical distance between the hinge and the trailer bed. A mud flap mounting bracket suitable for use with the hinge system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: James H. Obermeyer
  • Patent number: 6752467
    Abstract: A truck debris collection container mounting apparatus comprising a truck frame, a support frame moveably mounted to the truck frame, a debris collection container pivotally mounted to the support frame, a lifting device to vertically and horizontally move the support frame relative to the truck frame, and a device to rearwardly tilt the debris collection container. The support frame is movably attached to the truck frame via a plurality of extendable lifts and support links, which allows the debris collection container to be lifted up and rearward from the truck frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Vac-Con, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Oliver Palrose, Thomas W. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20030015906
    Abstract: A dump rack for attachment to pickups and other vehicles that is used to haul materials, tools or supplies. The dup rack of this invention has a stationary frame that attaches on the sidewalls of a pickup box or other vehicle. The stationary frame has side members attachable to the top edge of the pickup bed sidewalls and a cross member that fits at and within the front of the bed. A pivoting frame is pivotally attached to the stationary frame. A front end of a dump rack is pivotally attached to the pivoting frame. The rear of the dump frame has rear pivot legs which are pivotally attached to the dump frame and to a rear end of the side members on the stationary frame. A lift mechanism operates on the pivoting frame to pivot the pivoting frame between a lower position and an upper position. As the lift mechanism lifts the front of the pivoting frame, the front of the dump rack is raised and the rear of the dump rack is pivoted rearward and downward. As the dump frame pivots the load carried thereon is dumped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Michael F. Mistler
  • Patent number: 6439667
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to automated dumping or emptying of filled containers and specifically to the dumping of harvested fruit contained within a gondola with the apparatus of this invention automating the emptying of a fruit filled gondola into a truck or other receiving container or structure. The invention is the movement of the gondola from an upright position to a position displaced from the vertical which is away from the apparatus of the invention and toward a container into which the gondola contents are to be dumped. A lifting and tipping support frame pivotally receives the gondola. The lifting and tipping support frame is composed in part by lifting arms which are interconnected with stabilizing arms of differing lengths with the upper or top stabilizing arm longer than the lower or bottom stabilizing arm. A stationary post is welded to a container dumping frame. The top and bottom stabilizing arms are pivotally affixed by journals at the lifting arm and at the stationary post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Aaron J. Weets, Dennis C. Weets
  • Patent number: 6371565
    Abstract: A high-lift lateral dump system for pavement/street sweepers (20) includes a debris container (30) positioned between laterally adjacent lift assemblies (40R, 40F), each lift assembly (40R, 40F) including a vertically extending upright (42), a lift arm (44) that is pivoted at one end to upper end of the upright (42), and a single-ended double-acting hydraulic lift cylinder (46) that functions to raise and lower the lift arm (44). A torque control mechanism (48) minimizes mis-phasing between the lift cylinders (46) of each lift assembly (40R, 40F), and a manual safety stop mechanism (50) allows an operator to selectively lock the debris container (30) and the related structural components in the lifted position. An attitude-control system uses hydraulic fluid from the rod end (46r) of the lift cylinder (46) to maintain the debris container (30) in a horizontal or near horizontal attitude during the lift cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Schwarze Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony C. Libhart
  • Patent number: 6089670
    Abstract: A side dump body for use on a truck or trailer is described wherein the side dump body may be pivoted to either side of the truck or trailer to dump the contents thereof. The side dump trailer is operatively connected to a pair of pivotal body mounts which may be utilized to remove the body from the truck or trailer and place the same on the ground adjacent either side of the truck or trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ralph R. Rogers
    Inventor: Ralph R. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5601486
    Abstract: A cotton harvester basket is pivotally connected inwardly of the side walls and has a flat, gravity actuated lid that opens at the end of the dump cycle to prevent cotton loss. The dump or slope side of the basket includes a pivoting door, also gravity actuated, connected by a linkage to the basket lid. The weight of the slope side door tends to open the basket lid near the final dump position of the basket. As the basket is pivoted downwardly to the lowered field-working position, the weight of the lid forces the slope side door to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Francis E. Schlueter
  • Patent number: 5580211
    Abstract: A transportation system is adapted for transporting and removing roll on/roll off containers from a trailer surface. A tractor having a fifth wheel is used to tow the trailer. The tractor carries a supplemental platform, which is placed over the fifth wheel area to permit transfer of a container from the trailer onto the platform of the towing tractor for transportation of the container to a delivery site. The container and tractor also include mating members to permit raising one end of the container relative to the other to facilitate dumping of the contents from the container while it is carried on the supplemental platform on the tractor. A specific form of container, particularly suitable for use in the transportation system, is a double walled, insulated container for carrying hot mix asphalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: William F. Mengel
  • Patent number: 5580134
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-function dumping vehicle having standard chassis and bed. The bed is positioned on the chassis and is pivotably mounted to the chassis as is conventional. The bed is undergirded by longitudinal body rails. A deck is pivotably mounted to the bed by a cross body hinge. Accessory rails are installed to run parallel to the body rails and are affixed at one end to the forwardly placed, transverse cross body hinge. A front hoist having a first end pivotably mounted to the chassis and a second end pivotably mounted to the bed is used to raise the bed to a standard dumping configuration. A rear hoist having a first end pivotably mounted to the body rails and a second end pivotably mounted to the accessory rails is used to raise the deck to a reverse dumping configuration. When the front and rear hoists are used in combination, a high lift platform is obtained. The invention is also adaptable for use with flat bed trucks and high lift vehicles to provide a reverse dumping capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Park T. Allwine
  • Patent number: 5501567
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a combined refuse vehicle and refuse side loaded and recycling curbside collector vehicle. Recycled materials may be placed either in (i) a hopper which is elevated and tilted to discharge into the upper, open end of a recycling bin or (ii) to elevate roller cart vehicles into an upper loading position. In either event, the bins are side tilted and displaced transversely of the vehicle axis for roll-off clearance. Refuse is loaded at curbside level and forced into a packer body from the body up whereby previously charged refuse acts to compress subsequently charged refuse. A tag axle-drive axle system is disclosed which, by means of a proportioning valve, causes the legal loads on the tag axle-drive axle combination to be reached simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Lanzdorf, Thomas H. Betters, Eric E. Braun, Chad O. Konop, James L. Steiner
  • Patent number: 5454625
    Abstract: A portable ice cart provides both elevation adjustment and tilt adjustment for the ice hopper. The ice cart includes a support frame that allows the ice hopper to be tilted to any of a plurality of orientations about a horizontal axis, and a scissors linkage for supporting the support frame at an adjustable elevation above the base of the cart. A retractable spring-loaded pin is used to lock the ice hopper in place after the desired orientation has been reached. The elevation of the ice hopper can be raised by pumping a foot pedal that pressurizes a hydraulic cylinder and extends the scissors linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Kloppenburg & Co.
    Inventors: Mark Z. Christensen, Ralph E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5338140
    Abstract: A boll buggy includes a basket upon a wheeled frame. The basket is translationally elevated to a height so that the bottom of the basket is higher than the top of a module maker. Seed cotton is transferred from the basket into the module maker by chains running along the bottom of the basket and extended panel. Cotton is loaded into the basket on the boll buggy by moving the boll buggy alongside a cotton harvester and extending a load door from the basket to receive cotton from the cotton harvester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Scott Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Royce L. Ekdahl, C. Minuard Jordan
  • Patent number: 5302073
    Abstract: A dumper for use in dumping the contents of a container. The dumper includes a hollow receiving portion for receiving therein at least an upper end of the container and an outlet portion for guiding contents emanating from the container to a desired location. A mechanism for effecting a relative movement between the receiving portion and the upper end of the container and an orientation of the receiving portion onto the upper end of the container is provided. An inflatable bladder mechanism is mounted on an inwardly facing surface of the receiving portion and oriented to engage a peripheral side surface of the container, when inflated, with sufficient force to clamp and hold the container to the receiving portion. A tipping mechanism is also provided for tipping the receiving portion and the container in unison only when the bladder is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: National Bulk Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Riemersma, Philip S. Keller, Steven C. Nyland
  • Patent number: 5299856
    Abstract: A dump vehicle, such as for agricultural use, includes a movable support member and a slide structure for supporting and guiding the support member, a container pivotally mounted to the support member, a hydraulic actuator mechanism actuable to lift the container from an original lowered position to a predetermined raised position and to tilt the container at the support member when in the predetermined raised position to a preselected tilted position to permit discharge of the contents of the container. The dump vehicle further includes a hydraulic lock mechanism actuable in response to tilting of the container towards the tilted position to lock the support member in the predetermined raised position to prevent over centering and downward movement of the container from the predetermined raised position during tilting and discharging of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Richardton Manufacturing Company (Div. of Core)
    Inventor: William R. Grosz
  • Patent number: 5251652
    Abstract: A vehicle having a collecting and hauling system for collecting and hauling refuse in a containment vessel to a predetermined location. In the illustrated embodiment, a street sweeper having a street sweeping system utilizes a vertically extendable mast for elevating its hopper for dumping purposes. Additionally, air springs are provided to the wheel suspension system so that the air springs, when inflated, elevate the chassis and street sweeping system for road travel. When deflated, the chassis is lowered into solid support on the suspension system to provide a more rigid suspension for improved street sweeping and hopper dumping operation. Also, the street sweeper has a conveyor for conveying the dirt from dirt collection means upwardly into the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Elgin Sweeper Company
    Inventors: Daniel P. Strauser, Roger D. Star
  • Patent number: 5193882
    Abstract: In a portable unit having a generally horizontal frame, a container normally resting on the frame and pivotally connected at its rear of the frame for tilting upwardly and rearwardly toward a dumped position, the container having a door at its rear for loading and unloading material for opening when the container is in a dumped position, the improvement being a lift-and-tilt mechanism including a linkage pivotally connected at one end to the frame, and with a subframe unit interposed between the container and unit frame to support the container, with an inner end of the subframe unit pivotally connected to the linkage unit at an opposite end, whereby the linkage and subframe units are movable from a nested position substantially flat with the unit frame to a raised position with the linkage unit disposed substantially vertical, and with the subframe unit holding the container in a normally horizontal position, and with the container tiltable to its dumped position; and a power-operated unit for moving the lin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Paul M. Gamaldi
  • Patent number: 5173989
    Abstract: A road sweeper which includes a hopper between a cab and a centrifugal separator, a pair of relatively telescopically extendable and retractable members, one member of each pair being pivoted to a frame of the vehicle and another member of each pair being pivoted to a hopper, a pair of control arms pivoted one each between one of the extendable members and the vehicle, and a tilt cylinder and occupant-protecting mechanism cooperatively operative such that upon relative extension of the extendable and retractable members the control arms effect compound motion of the hopper to a position over-the-cab for subsequent dumping and the automatic interpositioning of the occupant protection mechanism between the hopper and the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Tymco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Young, Albert L. Hanel, Kenneth R. Veselka
  • Patent number: 5113548
    Abstract: A street sweeper which includes a frame, a hopper, a cab and a centrifugal separator on opposite sides of the hopper, a mechanism for moving the hopper from a position behind the cab to a position above and forward of the cab for dumping debris from the hopper, the hopper moving mechanism including a pair of first and second relatively extendable and retractable members, each of the first members being connected to the hopper and each of the second members being connected to the frame, a rotator carrying a slider, and a mechanism for pivoting each rotator which through its associated slider elevates the extendable and retractable members to permit movement of the hopper above and along the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Tymco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Young, Albert L. Hanel, Kenneth R. Veselka
  • Patent number: 5072485
    Abstract: A road sweeper which includes a hopper between a cab and a centrifugal separator, a pair of relatively telescopically extendable and retractable members, one member of each pair being pivoted to a frame of the vehicle and another member of each pair being pivoted to a hopper, a pair of control arms pivoted one each between one of the extendable members and the vehicle, and a tilt cylinder and occupant-protecting mechanism cooperatively operative such that upon relative extension of the extendable and retractable members the control arms effect compound motion of the hopper to a position over-the-cab for subsequent dumping and the automatic interpositioning of the occupant protection mechanism between the hopper and the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Tymco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Young, Albert L. Hanel, Kenneth R. Veselka
  • Patent number: 5069507
    Abstract: A dumping trailer wherein the cargo carrying surface of the trailer is movably mounted relative to the bed frame of the trailer. A cargo carrying surface is to be movable from the bed frame to an initially raised position while still being maintained substantially parallel to the bed frame. From this initially raised position, the cargo carrying surface is to be inclined to facilitate dumping of any cargo from the rear end of the trailer. When the cargo carrying surface is in the raised position, a locking mechanism is activated which holds the rear portion of the cargo carrying surface in this raised position as the cargo carrying surface is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Vurness T. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 5064248
    Abstract: A high lift farm dump box particularly constructed to produce a stable unit when the box supporting sections are in extended position by providing a stabilizing cross bar which not only supports the dumping cylinders for the box but also provides a stabilizing connection between the lower ends of the upper strut sections and the upper ends of the next lower strut sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Tegtmeier & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheldon D. Tegtmeier
  • Patent number: 5060334
    Abstract: A street sweeper utilizes a vertically extendable mast for elevating its hopper for dumping purposes. Additionally, air springs are provided to the wheel suspension system so that the air springs, when inflated, elevate the chassis and street sweeping system for road travel. When deflated, the chassis is lowered into solid support on the suspension system to provide a more rigid suspension for improved street sweeping and hopper dumping operation. Also, the street sweeper has a conveyor for conveying the dirt from dirt collection means upwardly into the hopper. A second air spring having resilient chamber walls is provided to support the conveyor means in movable relation so that it may be rotated upwardly in travelling position by inflation of the air spring and lowered into operating position by deflation thereof. The conveyor is preferably suspended from the chassis by pivotally hanging links to permit the conveyor to move between raised and lowered positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Elgin Sweeper Company
    Inventors: Daniel P. Strauser, Roger D. Star
  • Patent number: 5040849
    Abstract: A carrier for lifting, transporting and dumping a large load box or the like is provided including a wheeled trailer having a forwardly projecting tongue for pivotal connection to a tractor, a central longitudinal frame rigidly connected to the tongue and a rear cross member rigidly connected to the central frame member. A cross tube for journalling the trailer wheels is attached to a support arm pivotally connected at one end to one of the trailer frame members and rigidly connected at the other end to the cross tube and a first hydraulic cylinder interconnects the cross tube and another one of the trailer frame members for swinging the support arm about its pivotal connection so as to raise and lower the rear end of the trailer frame member with respect to the trailer wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Kress Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Thomas, William L. LaBerdia, William N. Birkey
  • Patent number: 5027464
    Abstract: A sweeper vehicle having an improved hopper lift mechanism which provides a relatively high lift for dumping the hopper at ground level as well as into relatively high containers, while at the same time positioning the driver at a much lower and hence, safer position than normally found in currently available sweeper vehicles. The vehicle also eliminates the use of overlapping lifting arms to increase safety and provides superior driver visibility at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: AAR Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher M. Knowlton
  • Patent number: 5000645
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus (10) for handling containers, load pallets or similar load units comprising an auxiliary body (12) on which the container or similar load object can be disposed to be movable, the auxiliary body being turnable relative to a body or chassis (11). The apparatus comprises a coupler connected to the auxiliary body (12), by the aid of which coupler the container or equivalent can be moved higher on the auxiliary body and off of the auxiliary body. The coupler comprises a tilting cylinder (17) between the body or chassis (11) and the auxiliary body (12) and a lifting cylinder (16) between the body or chassis (11) and the auxiliary body (12), and an intermediate lever (13). The intermediate lever (13) is at one end with a pivot (21) turnably connected to the auxiliary body (12) and at the other end with a pivot (20) to the body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Orion-Yhtyma Oy Normet
    Inventor: Raimo J. Polojarvi
  • Patent number: 4996831
    Abstract: Locking structure for a harvester basket having an upper basket portion telescopingly received within a lower basket portion. Channel lock-ups are located at three of the four corners of the basket. Each lock-up includes two channels, one channel having a length equal to the extension length of the upper basket portion and the other half that length. The two channels are connected together by a pivot pin in the middle of the long channel. One end of the long channel is connected by a pivot pin to the basket and one end of the short channel is connected by a pivot pin to the top of the upper basket portion. As the upper basket portion is raised or lowered, the channels pivot about the middle of the long channel. Approaching the raised position, the upper portion of the long channel may be used as a lever to urge the upper basket to the final extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Pearson, Steve A. Junge, Virgil D. Haverdink
  • Patent number: 4989917
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from a vehicular debris collection hopper and transferring it to a debris receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Peabody Myers Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Schmidt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4984420
    Abstract: A dumping apparatus for a grass catcher for rearwardly inclining the grass catcher containing grass clipping to discharge the grass clippings. The apparatus includes a guide member and a movable member mounted in the guide member, a restraining member for restraining the movement of the catcher and a bracket fixed to a rear face of the catcher. A leading end of the movable member is pivoted at a longitudinally intermediate position of the bracket and a leading end of the restraining member is pivoted at a rear upper position of the bracket, whereby the grass catcher may be moved and inclined for the dumping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Kubota, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Samejima, Hiroaki Kawakita, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Yoshiaki Matsuda, Takao Sakatsuji, Colin Fulford