Abstract: An arrangement for loading a cargo space includes a transfer element as part of the transfer apparatus, which is arranged to move, together with load units to be arranged on top of it, into a cargo space and back out of there leaving the load units in the cargo space and means for forming a protective wall between the structure defining the cargo space and the load units. The forming of the protective wall is synchronized with the movement of the transfer element. In addition, an apparatus is disclosed for forming a protective wall in a cargo space and a method for loading a cargo space.

Abstract: A transport system for moving containers comprises a plurality of elevated supports having powered rollers and a transport having rails engaging the powered rollers. The transport has a member(s) for supporting the containers and means for moving the transport over the elevated supports.

Abstract: A system for replacing a discharged battery in a vehicle featuring a trolley with wheels operatively connected to a driving mechanism, the trolley can be directed to a battery tunnel of a vehicle via sensors; a moving battery tray mounted atop the trolley via a hydraulic cylinder, which functions to move the moving battery tray upwardly and downwardly; a charged battery removably disposed atop the moving battery tray; a locking system for locking the charged battery into the battery tunnel of the vehicle. The system allows the trolley to deliver the charged battery from a charging station to the vehicle. The discharged battery is removed from the vehicle in the same process the charged battery is installed in the vehicle. The trolley can carry the discharged battery back to the charging station for recharging.

Abstract: An agricultural combine with a plurality of grain tanks and an unloader system for unloading grain harvested by the combine. The unloader system has an unloader tube, a sensor and a controller. The unloader tube includes an interior passageway with a conveyor inside the interior passageway for moving the grain through the unloader tube and at least two discharge assemblies on the unloader tube for discharging grain traveling through the unloader tube to one of the plurality of grain tanks. The sensor is used for sensing an attribute of the grain that is to be unloaded through the unloader tube. The controller is operatively connected to and in communication with the unloader system and sensor so as to discharge the grain from the unloader tube through one of the at least two discharge assemblies based upon the attribute detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically positioning a metal coil into a rail car using stereoscopic image processing is presented. A method begins by picking up the metal coil using a hoist of a crane. The metal coil is then moved to a position over a rail car to where the metal coil will be located. At least one stereoscopic photo is taken of a location in the rail car to where the metal coil will be located. The coil is accurately positioned as it is lowered based on data extracted from the stereoscopic photo(s) to determine where the coil is as it is lowered onto the rail car. The picking up the metal coil, the moving the metal coil to a position over a rail car and the lowering the metal coil into the rail car are performed automatically without human involvement.

Abstract: A method for handling baggage inside an airport, a baggage handling system inside an airport, a transfer system and a transport system. A device loads sorted bags into a vehicle at a first location. The vehicle is configured to transport passengers from the first location to a second location. The vehicle transports the bags with the passengers from the first location to the second location. In this way, bags can be transported with a vehicle formerly for transporting passengers.

Abstract: A parcel processing system and method. The system includes an automated unloading apparatus, a singulation apparatus, a scan apparatus, and a sorting system. The automated unloading apparatus is configured to unload parcels from a trailer substantially without human intervention. The singulation apparatus is configured to singulate parcels unloaded by the automated unloading apparatus. The scan apparatus is configured to read from the parcels identifying information relating to the parcels. The sorting system is configured to sort the parcels according to the information read from the parcels by the scan apparatus.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A first guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for automated trailer loading that utilizes an automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path and is stacked as product columns which are presented to an industrial robot which places the product columns within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly, which provides for forward and reverse movement as well as traverse movement between so that product may be loaded within multiple trailers without interruption.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A first guidance system is used to travel near the transport and a second guidance system is used to travel on the transport.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A loading assembly is provided that is configured to load transport containers with bulk material quickly and efficiently. A container support assembly is also provided that facilitate alignment and stable support of the container throughout loading. In use, a load bin of the loading assembly is inserted and retracted relative to the container by a drive mechanism. The barrier assembly confines the contents of the load bin in the container while the bin is retracted, allowing the contents of the bin to remain within the container upon removal of the bin. The container support assembly includes left and right ramps disposed along side the container. The ramps each include a support surface having an increasing height differential with reference to the ground from the distal end to the proximal end. The support assembly further includes an interface assembly configured to attach to the container and to engage the support surfaces of the left and the right ramps to distribute load onto the ramps.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inline terminal, hub and distribution system. It comprises the steps of: transporting (102) a container to an inbound dock of a distribution center; emptying (104) the contents of the container in proximity to the inbound dock; sorting (106) the contents of the container; loading (108) an outbound container at an outbound dock of the distribution center; transporting (110) the outbound container to a track side location; loading (112) the outbound container onto a railroad car for transportation to a desired location.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A trailer unloading system anchors one or more trailers to a deck, with, or without tractor attached. The sides of the trailers are free to pivot from a top, longitudinal, pivot axis once unlatched from the edge of the trailer floor. The deck tilts the trailers sideways, the doors swing free, and the load discharges. The deck returns to level, the sides latch to support the floor and the trailers are ready to be reloaded.

Abstract: A mobile unloading apparatus for unloading items from a variety of heights is disclosed wherein the apparatus has a frame supporting a ramp for movement between a first position spaced above a conveyor for permitting items to be placed directly on the conveyor and a second, downwardly sloping ramp position for moving items down the ramp to the conveyor. The apparatus includes a first walkway section supported by the frame on a first conveyor side above a supporting surface, a second walkway section supported by the frame on a second conveyor side above the supporting surface and a third walkway section. The third walkway section can be moved from a first, use position bridging the first and second walkway sections to a second, storage position.

Abstract: A specimen conveying system includes a plurality of conveying mechanisms arranged to convey a specimen-contained container in given positions, each of the conveying mechanisms including a belt-conveyor type conveying lane, a motor-vehicle guide laid between first and second conveying mechanisms of the plurality of conveying mechanisms, and a motor vehicle guided and self-propelled by the motor-vehicle guide. The motor vehicle includes a first coupling section provided at a front of a main body of the motor vehicle and coupled to one end of the first conveying mechanism, a second coupling section provided at a rear of the main body of the motor vehicle and coupled to one end of the second conveying mechanism, and a belt-conveyor type conveying lane formed on a top surface of the motor-vehicle body and selectively connected to the belt-conveyor type conveying lanes of the first and second conveying mechanisms, thereby transferring the specimen-contained container.

Abstract: A bulk material handling facility includes an unloading tube positionable for connection to several discharge openings of a transport vehicle without requiring repositioning of the vehicle. The unloading tube is pivotally supported so that it can be swung out of the way when not in use. The unloading tube may include an elevated portion permitting passage of personnel and equipment when the unloading tube is in use.

Abstract: An exemplary method for using a mobile plating system is provided that includes locating the mobile plating system at a desired location for plating, positioning an external vacuum pump from an interior position of a mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system to an exterior position, and coupling the external vacuum pump to a vacuum chamber within the mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system using a flexible piping segment, rigid coupling with a dampening effect, or other arrangement operable to reduce and/or eliminate the mechanical vibrations within the vacuum chamber due to the operation of the external vacuum pump.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A mobile unloading apparatus for unloading items from a variety of heights is disclosed wherein the apparatus has a frame supporting a ramp for movement between a first position spaced above a conveyor for permitting items to be placed directly on the conveyor and a second, downwardly sloping ramp position for moving items down the ramp to the conveyor. The apparatus includes a first walkway section supported by the frame on a first conveyor side above a supporting surface, a second walkway section supported by the frame on a second conveyor side above the supporting surface and a third walkway section. The third walkway section can be moved from a first, use position bridging the first and second walkway sections to a second, storage position.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system and method are provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control module to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a device for renting electrically driven vehicles and for exchanging and recharging the vehicle batteries (5), comprising a box-shaped structure (1) with the means for accommodating the vehicles and the mechanical devices (80) for removing and fitting the batteries (5) from and into the vehicle, besides a device (20) for housing and placing the batteries (5) into a number of recharging spaces (13), and conveyors (160, 180) for opening and closing the various doors (14, 9) and, at the same time, locking the vehicle (2) inside its housing (3), and, lastly, the electrical and electronic connections (60, 130, 230) between the batteries and the mains (220 V) and between the housings and the vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting valuables is provided which comprises at least a vehicle (2) provided with a loading space (3) with containers (4) for valuables (5) which may be received therein, removed therefrom, respectively. The apparatus also includes a loading arrangement for loading the containers (4) in the loading space (3), removing them therefrom, respectively.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electrically powered vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by placing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by the receiving station, where the batteries are tested both electrically and by comparing battery status data against predetermined criteria. Batteries which fail the battery test are automatically removed from the conveyor loop by a elevator assembly. Batteries are automatically charged as they pass through the conveyor loop in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electrically powered vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by placing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by the receiving station, where the batteries are tested both electrically and by comparing battery status data against predetermined criteria. Batteries which fail the battery test are automatically removed from the conveyor loop by a elevator assembly. Batteries are automatically charged as they pass through the conveyor loop in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles.

Abstract: A system for rapidly receiving and storing a quantity of loose copy, for example newspapers, from a high speed printing press and dispensing them to the point-of-use without having to undergo the traditional operation of bundling the newspapers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a newspaper delivery system comprising a conveyor system for receiving a continuous stream of loose, unbound, newspapers directly from a high speed printing operation, an over-the-road vehicle having a cargo area equipped with a loose copy storage unit for receiving the loose newspapers supplied by the conveyor system and storing the newspapers during transport; and means for dispensing a selected quantity of newspapers once the truck arrives at a delivery destination.

Abstract: An improved container having caterpillar mechanism for loading/unloading of cargos comprises a bottom plate formed with caterpillar mechanism and left/right side walls with two lateral openings. During loading/unloading cargos, a conveyor having the same level height as the caterpillar belt is used to quickly accept the whole cargos being moved out on belt by means of pushing/pulling force exerted on the cargos.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ramp design permitting the positioning of a cargo ramp floor at any angle or height, which is integral with the aircraft such that it can be aligned to a vehicle transferring the load. The adjustable cargo platform assembly and the automated platform leveling system permits the ramp and ramp platform to be raised or lowered, but also permits the ramp platform to be tilted about a roll axis and aligned laterally with the floor of the load carrying vehicle to allow the cargo to be transferred to the aircraft. Efficient on-loading and off-loading of a palletized loading system (PLS) flatrack, directly off a PLS truck is achieved by such alignment. Actuators in the forward end of the ramp lift the platform as it rotates about the aft hinge point until the platform is even with the bottom of flatrack.

Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying devices (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying device (18) and conveying devices (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by forcing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by the receiving station, where the batteries are tested both electrically and by comparing battery status data against predetermined criteria. Batteries which fail the battery test are automatically removed from the conveyor loop by a elevator assembly. Batteries are automatically charged as they pass through the conveyor loop in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles.

Abstract: An extendible conveyor for conveying material to be loaded or unloaded from a trailer includes a telescoping boom supporting an endless conveyor belt for rotation about the telescoping boom at any extension length. A belt take-up is provided external to the telescoping boom for releasing or taking-up excess belt corresponding to the movement of the telescoping boom. A belt tension control arrangement which includes a control circuit and an extension sensor is provided to coordinate the release or take-up of excess conveyor belt corresponding to the telescoping boom movement while maintaining the conveyor belt at a desired belt tension. The extendible conveyor is pivotally supported for accommodating varying trailer bed heights and material loading conditions.

Abstract: A roll handling apparatus, including a roll handling cart, a C-hook assembly and a tiltable upender assembly is disclosed. The roll handling cart receives a plurality of spaced rolls, for example, paper rolls. A guide moves the cart bed along a path. A first member engages one end of the rolls and a second member engages the other end to move the rolls adjacent one another.

Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying device (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying means (18) and conveying device (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles. A displacement station removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by forcing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by a receiving station of the system. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles are tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged are automatically removed from the system. In one embodiment of the system, vehicles drive through the system in sequential order, stopping at a specified location for battery installation/removal.

Abstract: A portable rotary trailer tipper is provided for emptying the trailer contents through opening the open top of the trailer. The tipper includes an elongated transport that is portable and supports a trailer inverter. A platform for supporting the trailer is positioned along one side of the transport. A dumping chute for receiving the material dumped from the trailer is positioned along the opposite side of the transport. A trailer positioned upon the platform is engaged by the inverter then rotated upwardly and across the transport to dump material from the trailer into the chute. The chute directs the dumped material into a landfill site. A method of emptying material successively from a stream of trailers is also provided.

Abstract: A handling apparatus pulls a group of lightweight cargo carrying sleeves out of a container in which they have been transported onto a storage bed. The collapsed sleeves are individually supported in an upright orientation on the bed by fingers which can be selectively withdrawn from a sleeve when it is to be removed. An overhead crane has a carriage that translates across the sleeves on the storage bed and a sleeve loading and unloading apparatus that is positioned beside the bed. The carriage can also be raised and lowered. The carriage carries hooks which engage the sidewalls of the sleeves and can be moved toward and away from one another. After the hooks engage the sidewalls of a sleeve the carriage is raised to lift the sleeve out of the group. The carriage is then moved above the loading apparatus and the hooks are moved apart from one another to expand the sleeve. Finally, the carriage is lowered to place the expanded sleeve on the loading apparatus and the hooks are disengaged from its sidewalls.

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: This application relates to a novel process for distributing construction materials from a supply site to a multi-level building site and delivering the materials to elevated floors during construction of the building.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading belly dump trucks into piles comprises a ramp onto which the unloading truck drives, a hopper for reception of dumped material, and a conveyor running under the hopper and onto a side conveyor arm for disposal of the material The conveyor arm can be raised and lowered and collapsed for transport An engine for powering the apparatus is disposed oppositely of the conveyor arm, and can be moved toward and away from the ramp for transport and operation, respectively. Rear wheel assemblies comprise a plate slidably mounted to the side of the ramp which can raise and lower the ramp. A steerable front wheel assembly can be raised and lowered for removal of the apparatus from the towing truck and local movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A handling apparatus pulls a group of lightweight cargo carrying sleeves out of a container in which they have been transported onto a storage bed. The collapsed sleeves are individually supported in an upright orientation on the bed by fingers which can be selectively withdrawn from a sleeve when it is to be removed. An overhead crane has a carriage that translates across the sleeves on the storage bed and a sleeve loading and unloading apparatus that is positioned beside the bed. The carriage can also be raised and lowered. The carriage carries hooks which engage the sidewalls of the sleeves and can be moved toward and away from one another. After the hooks engage the sidewalls of a sleeve the carriage is raised to lift the sleeve out of the group. The carriage is then moved above the loading apparatus and the hooks are moved apart from one another to expand the sleeve. Finally, the carriage is lowered to place the expanded sleeve on the loading apparatus and the hooks are disengaged from its sidewalls.

Abstract: A load rotator assembly rotates and positions loads which are transferred between vehicles which move along aisles. The load rotator assembly includes a carriage which sequentially receives loads from one of the vehicles. A carriage drive assembly rotates the carriage about a vertical axis while maintaining the load on the carriage offset to one side of a vertical plane through the ends of loads at storage locations to eliminate any possibility of interference between the load and a stacker crane which transfers the load to one of the storage locations. The carriage drive assembly is operable to move the carriage toward the vertical plane. By positioning a load on the carriage with its end in the vertical plane, the stacker crane can pick up the load from the carriage and move the load to a storage location. The carriage drive assembly includes a double geneva drive mechanism having upper and lower geneva plates.

Abstract: A load transfer device for loading or unloading an entire storage compartment, such as the interior of a freight hauling trailer, in one cycle includes a long vertically flexible load support and transfer member that is as long and as wide as the storage compartment and which has a chisel-like leading edge to slip under freight articles resting on a floor, the transfer member being empowered by a motor mounted on it at the rear end to move longitudinally in and out of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A passenger and luggage handling system for an air terminal utilizes a unique bus-type vehicle according to the invention which has a passenger compartment in the elongated body which is separated from the luggage compartment extending longitudinally therealong, preferably beneath the passenger compartment. At one end of the vehicle the passenger compartment has an elevatable stairway having a member which can be lifted strictly vertically to the height of the aircraft door, thereby entraining a corresponding number of steps of the stairway also strictly vertically. The luggage compartment is provided with means, e.g. a conveyor, for moving the luggage through this compartment or into and out of the compartment.

Abstract: In grocery stores, other markets, and warehouses a customer's loaded shopping cart is directed by the customer into an inter-related sloping position with a conveyor. Upon demand, the checker runs the conveyor to move portions of the load to the just opened front of the shopping cart. The checker then easily reaches the respective items being purchased, moving them across a scanner and into bags, or beyond for bagging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closed vehicle and a complex equipment for managing services at airports, for the direct transport of passengers and luggages from the administrating and luggage manipulating area to the airplane.The essence of the closed vehicle according to the invention is, that a part of the passenger space is forming a flight of stairs, the height of which can be optionally adjusted, furthermore the passenger space is formed in the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. Preferably the lifting device of the flight of stairs is fixed to the stair-step, which can be lifted to the highest point. The displacement clearance between the elements connecting the stair-steps following each other corresponds to the height of the stair-step. The attainable maximal height of stairs is determined by the number of stair-steps applied.Preferably, the luggage space is arranged below the passenger space; in the luggage space at least one continuous transit path is formed.

Abstract: The invention is a produce handling system with a self-unloading trailer and a free-standing conveyor. The trailer has an unloading conveyor in its bottom covered by removable doors. The free-standing conveyor has an infeed section that receives the produce from the trailer unloading conveyor pivoted to an out feed section which delivers the produce from the infeed section to a stacking position such as a truck.