Abstract: Wheeled carts are pushed onto an inlet end of a conveyor and are automatically advanced, one at a time, to a cross conveyor for delivery to a cart loader conveyor. A cart loader is provided near the outlet end of the cart loader conveyor for automatically loading bundles into a wheeled cart. The input conveyor advances wheeled carts one cart position at a time. Cart positions along the input conveyor are monitored by sensors to automatically control advancement of wheeled carts therealong. A cart delivered from the outlet end of the input conveyor to the cross conveyor activates a cross conveyor limit switch advancing the cart delivered thereto to a position for feeding a wheeled cart onto the cart loader conveyor. A limit switch is actuated when the wheeled cart reaches this position where upon a push bar pushes the cart activating the limit switch onto the cart loader conveyor. The conveyor system in cart handling are preferably operated by hydraulic devices due to their compactness.

Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms or web coming from a folder and separator and moving to a conveyor. A table is positioned adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontally-extending stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially-horizontal position to a substantially-vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart. The cart can include a plurality of storage locations that can each be provided with a stack.

Abstract: A system of modular attachments for a railcar or truck trailer to convert the trailer to various uses is disclosed. A system of compressed air driven locking pins allows the various modules to be readily secured to or removed from the trailer chassis. Air suspension shock absorbers permit the load to be weighed on the car or trailer.

Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms or web coming from a folder and separator and moving to a conveyor. A table is positioned adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontally-extending stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially-horizontal position to a substantially-vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart. The cart can include a plurality of storage locations that can each be provided with a stack.

Abstract: An integrated air cargo/container handling system is presented in which the motive power section and the container handling section are integrated. Unlike the conventional system which requires coordination of three handling units (the power section, a transport section and a loading section) and separate operators for loading and unloading of containers, the present handling system has only two sections: the motive power section and the container handling section. The container handling section includes three elevators: a front elevator, a middle elevator and a back elevator. At the cargo terminal, eight containers are loaded onto the handling system using the back elevator and the middle elevator, and the containers are secured on the back and middle elevators. The handling system is driven to a target aircraft at a speed of up to 50 Km/hr, and the front elevator is positioned in place at the cargo bay of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms coming from a folder and moving to a conveyor. A table is position adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontal stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart.

Abstract: A modular rail car unloading pit which supports railroad tracks and facilitates the removal and transfer of aggregate, particulate, or other material from rail cars. The modular unloading pit is comprised of a set of precast concrete panels enabling the unloading pit to be environmentally friendly, reusable, and reducing installation time and cost. The set of panels includes one or more floor panels, four equally spaced vertical lateral walls oriented perpendicular to the railroad tracks, and a vertical longitudinal wall oriented parallel to the railroad tracks. Each lateral wall includes rail support plates at the top and anchors protruding from the bottom. The anchors are inserted into corresponding anchor receiving orifices in the floor for connecting the lateral walls to the floor. The lower end of the lateral walls are capped by metal channel members which are welded to metal plates on the top surface of the floor.

Abstract: An excavating machine includes a discharge conveyor which is movable (1) from an operative position in which an inlet end thereof is located directly under the outlet end of an associated loading conveyor (2) to a transport position in which the discharge conveyor extends substantially in parallel with the loading conveyor and in which the discharge end thereof is located between the inlet and discharge ends of the loading conveyor--thereby maintaining the discharge conveyor within the dimensional confines of the vehicle on which it is mounted. Movement of the discharge conveyor from its operative position to its stowed or transport position is facilitated by a support assembly including a slide and a turntable assembly. The slide includes a base which is mounted on rails or the like so as to move laterally with respect to the chassis, and the turntable assembly supports the discharge conveyor on the base for rotation about a vertical axis.

Abstract: Trailer-mounted apparatus of the type with a platform that can rotate on a central fifth wheel-like support with a vertical axis, particularly for the loading and handling of coop frames for poultry and the like, which includes: a substantially rectangular rotating platform which is driven by a motor; two fifth wheel-like supports with a vertical axis which are individually driven with a preset rotation angle by individual independent motors; and a horizontal secondary frame which is anchored to each one of the two end fifth wheels, and which has a retention sidewall for accommodating in succession a frame of coops to be loaded with poultry while another coop frame, arranged on the secondary frame that is rigidly associated with the opposite fifth wheel, is being loaded; each coop frame to be filled is arranged on the rotating secondary frame located opposite to the one that supports the coop frame during loading so that its longer longitudinal axis is orientated like the longitudinal axis of the platform by

Abstract: The combined dolly and ramp assembly includes a ramp having a pair of laterally spaced arms and an inclined ramp surface interconnecting the arms adjacent one end and at an elevation for receiving a roll of web material from a pallet. The dolly includes a frame mounted on casters and which has a pair of inclined surfaces meeting at an apex centrally of the dolly. The dolly is movable into an opening between the arms 16 of the ramp to align the inclined ramp with one of the inclined surfaces of the dolly. A foot-actuated latch automatically and releasably locks the dolly and ramp to one another. The roll of web material is rolled down the ramp onto the dolly and secured by a strap to anchor points on the dolly. By releasing the latch, the dolly with the roll may be displaced to another station.

Abstract: A portable, easily-transported and erected horizontal surge/storage silo functions by the method of allowing large, long distance trucks to dump their contents of materials to be used at a nearby point of use onto the base of the portable silo from which the materials may be subsequently restacked and reloaded by suitable materials-handling devices, such as front-end loaders, onto other smaller vehicles for subsequent transport to the point of use or disposal. A base is sufficiently strong and configured to support upstanding sides and a roof if a roof is desired to provide a totally closed or sealable unit. Where provided, the roof may be removable and the sides may have a fast-closing entrance and door for easy access and safe and protected storage. The structure may have a retractable set of wheel devices affixed thereto so that it may be moved into and out of ground engaging position to make the unit respectively portable and operational.

Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms coming from a folder and moving to a conveyor. A table is position adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontal stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart.

Abstract: Fugitive dust generated by a bottom dumping railroad hopper car is captured by a dust containment system. The dust containment system includes an open railroad track segment for supporting the car above a hopper pit defined by enclosed end walls, an interconnecting rear sidewall and a partially open front side. A building structure encloses the track segment and hopper pit and includes roof mounted ventilators for emitting fresh air to the interior thereof. A backhoe device is positioned above the car to assist in discharging material. Air passageways are formed on opposite sides of the track segment with motorized dampers positioned therein. Dust collector units are positioned adjacent to the front side of the hopper pit. The fans of the dust collectors induce a draft from the roof ventilators downwardly along the sides of the rail car, through the air passageways to the hopper pit.

Abstract: A conveyor for large cylindrical bodies such as paper rolls, includes an elongate track defined by a channel member and a beam mounted within the channel member. The beam defines a pair of rolling surfaces upon which a short length carriage runs longitudinally of the beam. The carriage has an upper surface for receiving the roll and transporting the roll in a direction longitudinal of the axis of the roll. The carriage is pulled longitudinally of the track by a cable driven by an air motor positioned at one end of the track. A portion of the track can be lowered for an initial raised position in which the carriage is above the side edges of the track to a lower position so the roll can be simply rolled onto the carriage. The lower position is achieved by deflating an elongate air bag inside the channel and underneath the beam. A second carriage can be positioned on the track for transporting the roll from a used position to a discharge position.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transporting loads of the type comprising self-propelled carriages movable on rails and having assembly structure on which removable containers may be engaged and temporarily fixed, loading and unloading of such containers taking place in automatic loading and/or unloading stations.The assembly structure contains at least one assembly profile oriented parallel to the axis of movement of the carriage and cooperating with a corresponding assembly profile provided on the containers, so that the assembly or disassembly of the containers may take place after a relative carriage/container translational movement parallel to said axis of movement.

Abstract: In an automatic loading system and method wheeled carts receive five or six layers of newspaper bundles of four to six bundles per layer. A waist-high conveyor and an inclined ramp conveyor move bundles to a roller platform of independently operated roller sections selectively halted upon receipt of a bundle. When the desired number of bundles have been delivered to the roller platform, a pusher laterally moves the bundles to a split roller platform. A second group of bundles are delivered to the roller platform and the split roller platform. The sections of the split roller platform are then abruptly pulled apart causing the bundles to drop upon a fork-like platform extending into one side of a cart receiving the bundles. The pusher is retracted to the start position and the fork-like platform is lowered to receive the next layer of bundles in a like manner.

Abstract: A liner installation device includes a liner (16) for being disposed in a container (10). A manifold (24) is operable to be disposed at the peripheral opening of the container (10) and be connected to a vacuum source (22) through a hose (26). After the liner (16) is disposed in the container (10), the peripheral edges thereof are held against the peripheral edges of the container (10). A vacuum is pulled on the space between the interior surfaces of the container (10) and the exterior surfaces of the liner (16).

Abstract: A lift roller conveyor for rapid manually lifting a heavy rectilinear object, particularly a lateral file cabinet, from a floor surface onto a four-wheel dolly and for lowering such an object from a four-wheel dolly to a floor surface, is provided in a roller conveyor having an inclinded and a flat plane along which the object can be moved manually. Movement of the object along the conveyor rollers up or down the inclined plane effects a change of the elevation of the object "relative to the floor surface and the upper surface of the four-wheel dolly".

Abstract: A liner installation device includes a liner (16) for being disposed in a container (10). A manifold (24) is operable to be disposed at the peripheral opening of the container (10) and be connected to a vacuum source (22) through a hose (26). A retaining member (34) comprised of a retaining bracket (36) and a securing bar (38) operable to be disposed in the container (10). The retaining bracket (36) is disposed along the upper corners of the container (10). The liner (16) is then laid into the bottom of the container (10). After the liner (16) is disposed in the container (10), the peripheral edges thereof are held against the peripheral edges of the container (10). A vacuum is pulled on the spacer between the interior surfaces of the container (10) and the exterior surfaces of the liner (16).

Abstract: A drive device for driving and/or conveying, guiding and positioning an object in a desired direction by a wedge-type propulsion mechanism. The wedge-type propulsion mechanism represents a new design for a step-by-step conveyor system which can move substantially heavier loads than the systems already known and can perform other functions as well. The device includes a support platform for supporting a load, and an inclined ramp connected to the support platform, the inclined ramp facing in the desired conveying direction. A lifting device can be positioned under the ramp and moved upward to lift the ramp, and with it the support platform. A low coefficient of friction exists between the lifting device and the ramp, preferably provided by a roller, so that as soon as the lifting device lifts the ramp, the ramp slides or rolls along the lifting device in the desired conveying direction while the lifting device remains stationary.

Abstract: A method for loading compacted solid waste refuse in the form of bales indexed two at a time for loading into a plastic-lined dump trailer. The dump trailer being covered and including a rear closure door for transporting the bales in a closed environment to a balefill. The method further includes tilting the dump trailer at a low slip angle to dump the bales a pair at a time smoothly sliding from the plastic-lined trailer to be picked by mechanical device for stacking in the balefill.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing long pieces of material, such as pipes, rods, etc., in a shelf unit that has a number of receiving spaces for the long pieces of material. The apparatus includes a movable tray-like receptacle that is open at its ends and conveys the long pieces of material. A drive mechanism is provided for introducing one of the ends of the receptacle into the receiving spaces. The receptacle is equipped with CATERPILLARS that are guided over chain wheels provided at the ends of the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading, unloading and storing a jet propelled water vehicle comprising a first pair of tubes made of relatively smooth surfaced plastic plumbing pipe or the like, a second pair of tubes of similar construction which telescope within and extend from the first pair of tubes and devices to adjustably support and space the first pair of tubes on a truck bed, mini-van floor, trailer frame, elevated rack or the like. When the first pair of tubes are mounted in a pickup truck bed for example and the second pair of tubes are drawn out as an extension of the first pair of tubes, a jet propelled vehicle can be loaded directly from the water by applying the weight of the vehicle to bend the second pair of tubes and after a short jet burst propelling the vehicle along the tubes with the grooves in the hull of the vehicle engaging the tubes. In another mode the vehicle slides on the tubes onto a storage rack directly from the water or from the bed of a pickup truck or the like.

Abstract: A boat trailer supporting device permits the boat trailer to be moved and maneuvered by hand and includes two ramps and a dolly-like device having wheels thereon. The relative heights of the various elements are selected so that the boat trailer wheels will be supported off of the ground when the boat trailer axle is supported on the dolly-like device. The dolly-like device includes wheels that can be adjusted to adjust the heights of the various elements, and that device can include a further height adjusting system, such as a jackscrew.

Abstract: A bulk material such as garbage is introduced into a hopper inlet (14) of a comparator (12). A piston (18) in the comparator moves the bulk material out from the comparator (12) into the vault (26). In the vault (26) the material is compacted against a barrier wall (66) until an initial body of compacted material is formed between the inlet and the barrier wall (64). Then, the barrier wall (64) is retracted up into a position substantially within the plane of the top wall (32). Then, the comparator (12) is operated to compact additional bulk material (24) into the vault (26), and at the same time move the material (24) lengthwise through the vault (26). When the vault (26) is sufficiently full of compacted material (24), the vault (26) is expanded for the purpose of enlargening the cross sectional dimension of its inner space. A cargo receiving compartment (30) of a road vehicle (10) is positioned in registry with the outlet of the vault (26).

Abstract: A method for disposing a waterproof liner in a container includes disposing a bag within the container and attaching the peripheral edges at the opening of the bag to the peripheral edges of the container opening. A negative pressure is then formed in the space between the bag and the inner walls of the container to cause the sides of the liner to move toward the sides of the container and adhere thereto.

Abstract: A refuse container assembly for storing refuse material at a refuse transfer station is provided with a receptacle, having a refuse storage chamber and a refuse material intake and discharge opening at the upper end of the chamber, mounted on a support frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending transversely of the receptacle between a lower, upright position for receiving and storing thereat refuse material discharged into the opening by refuse collection vehicles and an elevated, at least partially inverted, position for discharging refuse material from the container through the opening into a refuse transportation vehicle, the assembly including a mechanism for pivoting the receptacle between the lower and elevated position, the mechanism including arms mounted on the support frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending transversely of the receptacle, first extendable and retractable actuator having one end connected to the support frame and the other end connected to the arms remote

Abstract: Flexible and expandable roller conveyors. Conveyors according to the present invention utilize lazy tong structures which are spanned and connected not only by roller axles, but also by braces rigidly connected to corresponding bars in the structures. The resulting conveyors are more economical on a long term basis than previous conveyors because the redundant axle and brace structure allows them to be more durable and resistant to abuse than other conveyors. Lazy tong structures in conveyors of the present invention utilize bars which have flanges on their long edges for additional strength. The flanges thus allow the bars to be formed in longer lengths than bars of earlier lazy tong structures so that fewer moving parts are required and the conveyor is more easily curved and flexed in order to move packages to a variety of desired locations.

Abstract: Trailer unit for transporting constructional machines and the like, in particular tracked excavators, by means of a conventional truck or similar towing vehicle. The weight of the machine during transporting is resting in part on the towing vehicle and in part on the trailer unit (1, 2, 3, 4). The unit can be assembled on the basis of a bogie having at least two wheel and axle sets on an undercarriage (4). At either side thereof there is provided a supporting cradle (3) for carrying a portion of the tracks or wheels of the machine, said cardles being tiltable about a transverse, horizontal axis (5) between a lowered loading position and an elevated transporting position. The horizontal tilting axis (5) is located somewhat forwardly of the rear end of each cradle (3) at an area between the two ends (3A, 3B) thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a dry ash handling system that allows ash to fall into a refractory lined ash car riding on rails in a sealed tunnel. The ash falls through a chute coupled to a negative pressure rotary combustor. Any unburned waste is allowed to continue burning in a burn-out chamber while, after removal from the chute because air is allowed to be pulled through the ash from the bottom by the negative pressure. When burn-out is complete, the ash is sprayed to quench any remaining smoldering embers. After removal from the tunnel, the car is sealed with a lid and allowed to cool further. During this period, samples can be removed from the car through sample ports. The car is transported to a landfill by a tilt bed truck and a hinged door on the car allows the ash to be dumped.

Abstract: A towable truck with a rotatable platform for transferring cargo units from or to intermediate transportation devices, for handling goods in particular within airport structures. The platform comprises alternate projecting and re-entering parts which, when the truck is in its loading or unloading position, are disposed along the longitudinal sides of this latter and are suitably designed for approach and copenetration by intermediate transportation devices or the like comprising complementary terminal parts provided with motorized rollers, so as to allow automatic transfer of the cargo units.

Abstract: A semitrailer (20) with improvements providing for increased use of available floor space is disclosed. The trailer (20) includes two sidewalls (22), a front end wall (24), a top wall (26) interconnecting said sidewalls (22) and front end wall (24) to enclose the semitrailer (20), and a back end (30) including hinged doors (32) providing for access to the inside of the semitrailer (20). A floor (28) interconnecting the sidewalls (22), is arched upward between the sidewalls (22) to provide a raised floor surface near a mid-portion of the floor (28) generally along the longitduinal extent thereof. Furthermore, the trailer includes a support structure (34) for supporting the floor (28) and the sidewalls (22, 24, 30), and the top wall (26). The arched floor (28) causes articles or pallets (48) loaded onto the trailer to tip outwardly toward the sidewalls (22) of the trailer (20) such that the top of the pallets ( 48) are spaced further apart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically restacking palletized tiers of adjacent rows of loosely cubed laden produce boxes in a continuous fashion by recubing the boxes while automatically retrieving and stacking the successive pallets during the continuing recubing process.

Abstract: An aircraft loader has an elevatable deck supported on scissor-type supports and urged into the elevated position by a hydraulically actuated lifting structure. The lifting structure incorporates two supports that move vertically on chain members when the cylinders are actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically restacking palletized tiers of adjacent rows of loosely cubed laden produce boxes in a continuous fashion by recubing the boxes while automatically retrieving and stacking the successive pallets during the continuing recubing process.

Abstract: A method of installing a continous moisture proof essentially disposable film liner within a convertional cargo trailer to protect moisture sensitive cargo during shipment. A polyolefin bag is inflated directly into an empty tractor trailer by attaching the bag opening to the outlet of a blower and blowing a gentle stream of air into the bag as suction is applied to the interior of the cargo trailer between the sidewalls of the trailer and the expanding polyolefin bag. In this manner, the bag inflates from the rear of the trailer forward, while the air trapped between the bag and the inside walls of the trailer is removed by suction, thus sealing the bag to the interior of the trailer. Once the bag is properly inflated and in contact with the inside of the trailer, it has been found that it tends to remain in place for sufficient time to load the cargo, even without continued use of the blower.

Abstract: A system is described for loading newly mined material such as coal, into a shuttle car, at a location near the mine face where there is only a limited height available for a loading system. The system includes a storage bin (18) having several telescoping bin sections (20-23), and a shuttle car (14) having a bottom wall (64) that can move under the bin. With the bin in an extended position and filled with coal (FIG. 3), the bin sections can be telescoped (FIG. 4) to allow the coal to drop out of the bin sections and into the shuttle car, to quickly load the car. The bin sections can then be extended, so they can be slowly filled with more coal while awaiting another shuttle car.

Abstract: A method of installing a continuous moisture proof essentially disposable film liner within a conventional cargo trailer to protect moisture sensitive cargo during shipment. A polyolefin bag is inflated directly into an empty tractor trailer by attaching the lower edge of the bag opening along the bottom of the doorway of the trailer and blowing a gentle stream of air into the bag as sufficient tension is applied to the upper edge and surface of the bag to direct the air to the rear of the trailer. In this manner, the bag inflates from the rear of the trailer forward, thus pushing the air trapped between the bag and the inside of the trailer out the open doorway without the bag exiting the trailer. Once the bag is properly inflated and in contact with the inside of the trailer, it has been found that it tends to remain in place for sufficient time to load the cargo, even without continued use of the blower.

Abstract: In the long wall mining of coal, a sectional pan-line is positioned along the working face of the coal seam parallel with the working face. The pan-line sections joined together have parallel rails along which the mining machine travels. At least one of said rails comprises a continuous gear rack at a height above ground with which a power driven gear wheel on the mining machine meshes for propelling the machine back and forth along the face of the coal. This invention is for a wheeled flat bed dolly having two parallel rails, one along each side, that are of height and width matching the rails of the pan-line. There is a support at one end of each of these rails to which the ends of the rails of the pan-line interfit with a temporary connection holding the dolly and pan-line against separation.

Abstract: A system for replacing electrical batteries in electrically powered vehicles in a minimum period of time on the order of one minute or less. Carriage-elevator structure is arranged in front of a battery charging station to transfer selected batteries between the charging station and a parked stationary vehicle. The vehicle and the charging station are provided with roller support units adapted to bear the battery weight and permit manual push-and/or pull shift of individual batteries to or from the aforementioned elevator. The system enables a substantially discharged battery to be removed from a vehicle and replaced with a fully charged battery in a very short time, e.g. about one minute.

Abstract: A heavy duty structure that forms a mobile loading system is shown that is comprised of a ramp means, a dump means and crawler undercarriage for use in loading trucks by making use of bulldozers. The crawler undercarriage supports the carrier or platform which provides the base for the superstructure, power units and hydraulic systems. The system's power unit supplies the source of power to move the crawlers so the structure may be moved to any locality on the job-site. The system's power unit also supplies power to the hydraulic systems provided to raise and lower the ramp and dump means. The carrier supports a mast means which supports the ramp means and dump means. The ramp means provides a bridge or lifting means onto which a pair of bulldozers may be alternatively driven to move the overburden to the dump means.

Abstract: A method of and a device for the shipping of hot metal goods, such as hot steel ingots and slabs, in which the ingots or slabs are lowered into a container in which a granular insulating material, preferably porous vermiculite, is fluidized by a pressurized gas during the introduction of these metal goods. The particles of the insulating material, upon termination of the fluidization are then allowed to pack around and envelop the metal goods. The insulating material is again fluidized during withdrawal of the metal goods at the unloading site.

Abstract: An attachment for a fork lift truck for opening and closing sliding doors such as railway freight car doors. The attachment includes a floor that can be engaged by the tines of the fork lift and two vertically spaced apart door engaging members mounted to the floor for transverse movement with respect thereto. The floor also mounts an upstanding cage assembly so that a person can work inside a protected area.

Abstract: In an automatic tank filling installation, the duct for insertion in the filling orifice of the tank, e.g. mounted on a railway truck or road vehicle, is mounted for movement in the longitudinal direction of movement of the truck or vehicle, for movement in a direction transverse thereto and for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction to allow the axis of the pipe to be aligned with the axis of an off center filling orifice, means being provided for causing the pipe to pivot simultaneously with, and as a function of, movement of the pipe in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A device for mechanically placing wheel chocks against the wheels of a truck-like vehicle as it is parked on the apron of a loading dock. The chocks are remotely controlled from a point of vantage by the dock attendant and certain provisions readily preclude the commencement of any loading and/or unloading operation involving the parked vehicle prior to the vehicle being properly chocked in place, and moreover, structure is included which precludes the likelihood of inadvertent movement of the vehicle away from the dock prematurely before the actual completion of the loading and/or unloading operations, thus avoiding fork lift accidents and personel injuries common in the industry.

Abstract: Trailers are loaded on and unloaded from railroad flatcars by use of a system including tractors to pull the trailers, an end ramp at the end of the train, and a movable side ramp structure at the side of the train. The movable ramp structure has a ramp and a retractable bridge extending from the top of the ramp to the top of a flatcar in the train. In unloading, a tractor drives up the movable ramp and across the bridge to get onto the flatcar. Then the bridge is retracted, the tractor hitches onto one of the trailers, and pulls it along the joined beds of the flatcars and down the end ramp. The tractor then takes the trailer to a storage area, unhitches the trailer, and returns to the movable ramp structure to repeat the process. While the first tractor is pulling the trailer along the tops of the flatcars, the movable ramp structure moves to a position near the next trailer to be unloaded, and extends the bridge again.

Abstract: A removable attachment for a powered industrial truck, such as a fork lift, used to open and close freight car doors and the like.

Abstract: Automobiles are lifted from alongside a fully enclosed multi-level deck rail car and loaded onto the decks through a side opening of the rail car. The automobiles are pushed forwardly from the rear towards an end of the rail car. Detachable securement means on the decks and the frames of the cars cooperate automatically in response to forward movement of the automobiles to compress the spring suspension systems of the automobiles and lock the automobiles to the decks to prevent longitudinal or sideward movement of the automobiles on the decks during transport.

Abstract: An attachment for a fork lift truck that facilitates opening and closing of railway freight car doors. The attachment includes a base plate which pivotally supports a push arm at each side thereof that is connected to means for providing a controlled shock absorbing pushing force to the door so as to prevent damage thereto.

Abstract: In an automatic loading system and method wheeled carts receive five or six layers of newspaper bundles of four to six bundles per layer. A waist-high conveyor and an inclined ramp conveyor move bundles to a roller platform of independently operated roller sections selectively halted upon receipt of a bundle. When the desired number of bundles have been delivered to the roller platform, a pusher laterally moves the bundles to a split roller platform. A second group of bundles are delivered to the roller platform and the split roller platform. The sections of the split roller platform are then abruptly pulled apart causing the bundles to drop upon a fork-like platform extending into one side of a cart receiving the bundles. The pusher is retracted to the start position and the fork-like platform is lowered to receive the next layer of bundles in a like manner.