Power-driven Conveyor For Loading A Wheeled Vehicle Patents (Class 414/398)
  • Patent number: 5951229
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Unlimited Range Electric Car Systems Company
    Inventor: Julius G. Hammerslag
  • Patent number: 5927938
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Unlimited Range Electric Car Systems Company
    Inventor: Julius G. Hammerslag
  • Patent number: 5921740
    Abstract: A device and process are provided for automatically loading trailers or shipping containers. Packages arriving at the loader on a conveyor belt are deposited on a loader deck, where they are moved laterally by an overhead pusher to form a row of packages. Upon formation of a row of packages, small pushers move the row onto the delivery platform. This process is repeated until the delivery platform is filled completely with packages. Once it is filled completely, the delivery platform delivers each loaded row, in turn, to the desired height and position in the container. The platform then cycles back to be reloaded with more packages, and the process is repeated. Once a vertical stack of rows the entire height of the container is formed, the loader backs out of the container by one package length and the entire process is repeated until the truck or container is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas D. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5915338
    Abstract: A turkey loading apparatus and method for loading turkeys includes a support structure adapted to the position at a gathering location. A conveyer conveys the turkeys to a dumping end. A loading box is operatively connected to the support structure. The loading box is moveable between a first and second position. A loading box has an exit, wherein when the exit is opened the turkeys are unloaded into the coop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Hormel Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley E. Fitzsimmons, William R. Green, James Hoglund
  • Patent number: 5911555
    Abstract: A power driven, reciprocating slat conveyor (12) is provided on a dock (D). A passive, reciprocating slat conveyor (10) is provided within a trailer (T). The power driven conveyor (12) is coupled to the passive conveyor (10) so that the drive mechanism of the power driven conveyor (12) can be used to operate both conveyors (10, 12) in conjunction. All of the conveyor slats (14) of the dock conveyor (12) can be directly connected to corresponding conveyor slats (16) of the trailer conveyor (10). Or, one conveyor slat (14) from each set of conveyor slats in the power driven conveyor (12) can be connected to a corresponding conveyor slat in the passive conveyor (10) and these conveyor slats in the passive conveyor (10) can each be connected to a transverse drive beam which is connected to the remaining conveyor slats of the same set of conveyor slats. Or, the drive units of the powered conveyor (12) can be coupled to transverse drive beams which are connected to the sets of slats in the passive conveyor (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Raymond Keith Foster
  • Patent number: 5909798
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Shaver, Alfred J. Kafka, Matthew C. Carey
  • Patent number: 5902089
    Abstract: A poultry loading apparatus for transporting poultry from a confinement area such as a poultry house to a transport vehicle to allow transport of poultry from farm-to-farm or from farm-to-processing plant. The mobile poultry loading apparatus includes a conveyor system whereby poultry ride from a confinement area to the transport vehicle during loading. The conveying system includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from a coop during the loading process. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Steven C. Sinn, John D. Wilham, James D. Wilham, Richard Bloome
  • Patent number: 5895193
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Lu-Hsiung Ung
  • Patent number: 5868544
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo loader is provided including a platform having a plurality of rollers for supporting cargo thereon. A base member is disposed below the platform and a plurality of telescoping jacks are disposed between the platform and the base member for lifting the platform. A supply of pressurized gas is connected to the plurality of telescoping jacks. An automatic load balancing system is provided for balancing the load on the platform. The cargo loader is designed to be lightweight and portable so that it can be loaded onto the aircraft and transported therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Cox
  • Patent number: 5851099
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Anibal Garcia
  • Patent number: 5803701
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Filiberti, Fredric Salsburg, William E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5718325
    Abstract: A fully adjustable conveyor system for transporting loose items of cargo which are to be manually loaded or unloaded by a worker. In one embodiment, the conveyor system includes a powered device, such as a driveable, maneuverable tug which is provided with a vertically adjustable operator platform, expandable and vertically adjustable first and second powered conveyor units. In a second embodiment, the conveyor system includes an electrically powered mobile base frame which is provided with an adjustable operator platform, a vertically adjustable first conveyor, and a flexible expandable second conveyor. The conveyor system of the present invention includes a control system for positioning the conveyor system at the optimum height and location for efficiently loading and unloading cargo and significantly reducing the risk of strain and injury to the workers handling the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventors: John Doster, Jimmy Barnett, Joe Barnett
  • Patent number: 5716184
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for unloading packages from a conveyor and then stacking the packages in rows on the floor of a shipping container. A package loader is disposed at the discharge end of the conveyor and is moveable with the conveyor into different positions between the forward and aft ends of the shipping container. The package loader includes a frame. A transfer table is mounted to the frame and aligned for receiving packages from the conveyor and supporting the packages as a person arranges the packages in rows extending across the width of the shipping container. A horizontal platform is mounted to the frame forward of the transfer table. The platform is moveable to selected elevations to first align the platform for receiving packages from the conveyor and transfer table, with the packages arranged in rows, and then to align the platform for transferring the rows of the packages onto the floor of the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Fluid Lifting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Lowe, David Batchelder
  • Patent number: 5711648
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Unlimited Range Electric Car Systems Company
    Inventor: Julius G. Hammerslag
  • Patent number: 5697753
    Abstract: A box stacker uniquely able to semiautomatically load, in place, inside a variety of enclosures, columns of stackable boxes, said box stacker being in the form of a movable structure that has a conveyor belt carrying structure attached thereto in a cantilevered fashion. The conveyor belt carrying structure has an inner end and an outer end and carries spaced boxes thereon to be stacked. A speed-up belt carrying structure has an inner end attached to the outer end of the conveyor belt carrying structure and receives boxes from the conveyor belt. A lift device automatically raises the conveyor belt carrying structure in predetermined increments to successively deposit boxes on a column or stack and a drive arrangement is coupled to the speed-up belt for driving the speed-up belt at a greater speed than the conveyor belt to eject the boxes from the speed-up belt onto the column or stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventors: Desh D. Aurora, Brian T. Criswell, Andrew Fisher, Min Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 5690453
    Abstract: Cars are loaded individually onto pallets at assembly plants and remain on the pallets until they reach dealers. Most of the palleted cars are transported in specially equipped, closed rail cars from each assembly plant to a main distribution center where they are unloaded, allocated to either satellite distribution centers or to dealers, and reloaded for transport ultimately to the dealers, often via a satellite distribution center. The same pallets can be used to transport the cars in highway trailers and standard intermodal cargo containers. The cars remain on the pallets, are never driven, and are protected from weather and vandalism from the time they leave the plant until they reach the dealers' lots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Global Transport Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Claps
  • Patent number: 5688097
    Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading a firing table arrangement with product for firing, wherein the firing table arrangement comprises on at least one horizontal plane a plurality of rollers having ends disposed at a distance from one another for picking up the product for firing, comprises a supporting structure (20), aligned relative to the firing table arrangement, with two horizontally projecting supporting arms (24) each of them running traversely relative to the rollers, laterally outside the firing table arrangement which are accommodated on the supporting structure (20) so as to be adjustable in height, said supporting arms having inner sides facing one another and a front end, a drive member (26) disposed on the inner side of one supporting arm (24) which, after coupling to the rollers of the firing table arrangement, set them in a rotating movement, and a device disposed on the inner side of the other supporting arm for the rotatable guiding of the rollers of the firing table arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Riedhammer GmbH Und Co. KG
    Inventors: Friedherz Becker, Ralf Binninger, Andreas Bottcher, Johannes Figel, Volker Rieck, Bernd Stender
  • Patent number: 5685416
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Henri Bonnet
  • Patent number: 5664929
    Abstract: An article transportation system includes a transporter vehicle driven by an electric power from a battery mounted on the vehicle and a station having a translator apparatus for translating an article to and from the vehicle. The station includes a power receiving unit for receiving electric power for driving the translator apparatus. The transporter vehicle includes power supplying devices for supplying the electric power from the battery to the power receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Esaki, Haruhiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5645390
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Filiberti, Fredric Salsburg, William E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5642803
    Abstract: Article loading apparatus and method for loading articles such as fiberboard containers onto a loading carrier base such as pallet, with which it is possible to reduce required labor and to enhance working efficiency. An article loading conveyer which makes a conveying path on which an article is conveyed swingable and extendable is provided. An article transfer carrier having an article sliding surface is connected to a distal end of the loading conveyor. The article sliding surface is kept at a substantially constant posture with respect to a horizontal plane by the provision of a posture control device, regardless of the incline of the loading conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5549443
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Julius G. Hammerslag
  • Patent number: 5529488
    Abstract: An improved kiln car comprises a car with a load box with a base that can be separated into parts that can be reconfigured to form a discharge and then rotated to reform the base but with the load-bearing side on the underside so as to present a clean side to the next load of green items to be fired and to counter the cumulative effects of distortion as the load bearing base makes repeated passes through the kiln.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Norton Chemical Process Products Corp.
    Inventor: Niels L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5489181
    Abstract: A new and improved transport apparatus which can be used to transport a load between different level surfaces according to a novel method of use of the present invention. The transport apparatus includes an undercarriage including a front and rear trucks having an elongated upright track assembly mounted therebetween for defining a predetermined path of travel that a load will follow as it is moved between a ground level position and an upper load destination position substantially above the ground. A load carriage unit mounted movably to the upright track assembly is coupled to a motor adapted to move the load reciprocatively rectilinearly along the predetermined path of travel. The front and rear truck construction facilitates transportation over a variety of terrain. Substantially, the trucks and upright track assembly are coupled together in a set of triangular arrangements that form a rigid, stable, load moving construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Warren A. Greaves
  • Patent number: 5423413
    Abstract: An extendable conveyor unit supports the extendable units directly from the warehouse floor with a minimum amount of support structure. The extendable conveyor includes one or more extendable units, a stationary support for supporting the extendable units, and a conveying surface defined on an extended portion of the extendable units. The stationary support supports the extendable units between a fully extended position, wherein the extendable units extend from the support in the direction of the vehicle to be loaded and a fully retracted position in which the extendable units extend from the support in a direction opposite from the direction of the vehicle to be loaded. The conveying surface may be a gravity roller conveyor or it may be an endless belt. When the conveying surface is an endless belt, an elevating unit may be provided with the stationary support in order to elevate the conveying member above the extendable unit at the stationary support to match up with a discharge or receiving conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Rapistan Demag Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip J. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 5413455
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and bundling long rolling stock includes a collecting station for a layer of rolling stock lying side-by-side, a receiving device for the layer of rolling stock, a bundle forming station arranged at a side of the collecting station, and an arrangement for transporting the layer of rolling stock into a depositing position in the bundle forming station. The transporting arrangement includes two support arches that stand at a distance from another and span at least a collecting station and a bundle forming station. Each of the support arches defines a travel path having a horizontal segment that is guided into a vertical segment in a region of the bundle forming station. A carriage is arranged at each support arch so that both carriages are synchronously movable on the travel paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann-Heinrich Rohde, Eberhard Adamitzki, Rainer Derix
  • Patent number: 5405233
    Abstract: A dumpster handling system is operated to support and move a roll-off dumpster back and forth underneath a point of material discharge for the filling of the dumpster. The system operates to move the dumpster so that the material is deposited at different points into the interior of the dumpster to achieve an even distribution of the load of material throughout the dumpster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Steven R. Cordell
  • Patent number: 5403142
    Abstract: A material handling adjustable conveyor comprising an adjustable boom, and front-end material handling device with four degrees of freedom to allow loads to be lifted and rotated into position and placed or removed from an over-the-road vehicle or unloaded from such a vehicle. During the loading or unloading procedure, the load is only supported by the front-end material handling device. Some of the load is borne by the floor of the cargo vehicle when more than minimal torsion forces are applied to the front-end material handling device. The material handling device is computer controlled based upon the dimensions of the vehicle being loaded and unloaded and further comprises sensors for fine adjustment of front-end handling device motion during the course of the loading or unloading. Other senors can be used to measure and record the internal dimensions of a cargo vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Stewart-Glapat Corporation
    Inventor: William T. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5402874
    Abstract: A conveyor coupled to a skid motor vehicle operates to unload bulk granular material from a railroad hopper car. The conveyor has an obtuse configured frame supporting an endless belt extended about an idler roller and a driven roller. A hydraulic motor mounted on the frame supplied with hydraulic fluid under pressure from the hydraulic system of the motor vehicle rotates the drive roller thereby moving the belt relative to the frame and mount thereon. A pair of transverse tubular box members are secured to the bottom of the frame to accommodate forks attached to the skid motor vehicle whereby the skid motor vehicle can lift the conveyor and transport it to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: M Bar D Railcar Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Dahlin, William S. Pladson
  • Patent number: 5391038
    Abstract: A material handling adjustable conveyor comprising an adjustable boom, and front-end material handling device with four degrees of freedom to allow loads to be lifted and rotated into position and placed or removed from an over-the-road vehicle or unloaded from such a vehicle. During the loading or unloading procedure, the load is only supported by the front-end material handling device. Some of the load is borne by the floor of the cargo vehicle when more than minimal torsion forces are applied to the front-end material handling device. The material handling device is computer controlled based upon the dimensions of the vehicle being loaded and unloaded and further comprises sensors for fine adjustment of front-end handling device motion during the course of the loading or unloading. Other senors can be used to measure and record the internal dimensions of a cargo vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Stewart-Glapat
    Inventor: William T. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5346352
    Abstract: A freight moving apparatus comprising: a conveyor for receiving a freight and conveying the freight between a first predetermined position in a carrier vehicle and a second predetermined position in a freight station; an electric motor for driving the conveyor; stops disposed in the carrier vehicle and the freight station for engagement with the freight when the freight arrives at the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position; and a torque limiter for detecting any change of torque of the electric motor, which may be caused in the electric motor when the freight comes into engagement with the stops at the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position, to deactivate the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Michio Ito
  • Patent number: 5325953
    Abstract: A multiple section conveyor for the positioning of loose items for manual loading or stacking is, in combination, a first, telescoping gravity fed conveyor connected with a second powered elevated and delivery conveyor, controlled by the arrival of objects at the end of the second powered conveyor. The combination is coupled to a mobile, powered elevating work platform, to provide cargo items to a work crew at a controlled rate and at a proper height for safest handling, over the range of motions and elevations of the work platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventors: John Doster, Jimmy Barnett, Joe W. Barnett
  • Patent number: 5322411
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading overburden and ore into rock trucks that includes pushing the material onto an oscillating feed table that then feeds the material onto an inclined conveyor having an endless belt made of a series of overlapping rigid flights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Elkin, Benjamin T. Elkin, Jr., Brent T. Elkin, Braden T. Elkin, Brian T. Elkin
  • Patent number: 5320209
    Abstract: A delivery system (20) having a plurality of printing presses (22) to supply printed materials, a plurality of trays (38) being movable past locations of the presses (22), a device for loading (26) the trays (38) from the presses (22), a device for ejecting (28) the printed materials from the trays (38) onto a plurality of positions of a plurality of docks (46) for a plurality of vehicles (48) located at the positions on the dock (46), and a control system (49) for selecting the trays (38) to be ejected onto the docks (46) according to a variable current rate having an average during delivery approximately equal to a selected base rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Del Monaco, Gary R. Gorson
  • Patent number: 5297920
    Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a platform positioned above and spaced from a building roof for receiving a motorized or manual stone ballast transport cart, and a conveyor positioned beneath the platform for receiving ballast stones unloaded from the cart and conveying the stones over the edge of the roof. The platform is essentially flat and parallel to the roof and includes two ramps positioned at opposite ends of the platform, an opening located directly above the conveyor for permitting passage of ballast stones from the cart to the conveyor, and a grate in the opening with through openings in the grate large enough to permit passage of ballast stones and small enough so that the grate provides a path for the removal machine over the opening. The conveyor is an endless belt conveyor and is driven by a drive belt connected to an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Magnum Construction Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Pomerville, Mathew J. Pacek, Joseph E. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 5263806
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading overburden and ore into rock trucks that includes pushing the material onto an oscillating feed table that then feeds the material onto an inclined conveyor having an endless belt made of a series of overlapping rigid flights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Elkin, Benjamin T. Elkin, Jr., Brent T. Elkin, Braden T. Elkin, Brian T. Elkin
  • Patent number: 5256021
    Abstract: The apparatus and method of this invention safely and efficiently loads and unloads the contents of a load transport container. A manipulator mechanism such as a backhoe having a hemispherical spiked tool at the end of a manipulator arm is mounted on a telescoping conveyor belt system. Right hand and left hand 1/4 turn drive conveyors are used at the front end of the telescoping conveyor belt system to facilitate movement of cargo from the front end of the system to the discharge end. The main conveyor belt has a ribbed design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventors: James M. Wolf, Charles Keip
  • Patent number: 5247788
    Abstract: A transport system for transporting tube support members between textile machines includes a mobile transport unit having a plurality of superposed floorings each of which supports and guides several rows of the tube support members. An onsite transfer assembly adjacent each textile machine is operable to simultaneously load tube support members onto the parallel support paths of the mobile support unit while unloading tube support members from the parallel paths onto the textile machine. Each flooring of the mobile support unit includes a transverse support surfaces at each end of the parallel support paths onto which a newly loaded row of tube support members can be positioned for subsequent movement into the parallel support paths. Each flooring also includes an offload transverse support surface for supporting a row of the tube support members for transverse movement thereof onto an intermediate holding assembly of the onsite transfer apparatus (change assembly to apparatus above).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: W. Schlafhorst AG & Co.
    Inventors: Josef Bertrams, Karl-Heinz Mack, Manfred Langen, Gregor Gebald
  • Patent number: 5219259
    Abstract: An interface system for cargo loaders which is especially suited for use with aircraft cargo loaders. The interface is secured to a deck structure forming part of the cargo loader. The interface system includes a primary interface member which can be extended or retracted with respect to the end of the deck. In addition to extension and retraction, the primary interface member can be angularly adjusted with respect to the end of the deck. In one embodiment a secondary interface member is stowed adjacent to the primary interface or nested within a recess formed in the primary interface. The secondary interface can be extended or retracted with respect to the primary interface member. The secondary interface can also be designed for angular adjustment. The primary interface also includes lateral extension members which can be varied in position to either decrease or increase the transverse length of the primary interface member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Joseph W. Cochran & Associates
    Inventors: Joseph W. Cochran, Victor H. Carder
  • Patent number: 5209627
    Abstract: For sorting cut glass sheets (3) in accordance with arbitrary order criteria, rack-type carts (20) are provided exhibiting several racks (21) for the accommodation of cut glass sheets (3). The cut glass sheets (3) are righted by a lifting device into an essentially vertical position and then inserted by a conveyor arranged at the lifting device in the respectively desired rack (21) of the first rack-type cart (20). Each rack (21) exhibits on one side freely rotatable supporting rollers for the cut glass sheet. These supporting rollers can also be mounted to a holder adjustable relative to the rack-type cart (20). The rack-type carts (20) are displaceable (double arrow 30) so that the respectively desired rack (21) can be aligned with respect to the lifting device and/or the cut glass sheet (3) held by the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Peter Lisec
  • Patent number: 5201626
    Abstract: A loading apparatus adapted to be driven into a container and to receive articles such as sacks or the like one by one and to spread the sacks in horizontal cross roads by a spreading system so as to spread out the sacks in horizontal rows filling out a width of the container. The rows are consecutively transferred to a platform of a lift structure which is operable to bring single rows of sacks to be loaded upon each other up to a ceiling of the container, whereafter, the loading apparatus is retracted a distance corresponding to a length of the sacks, such that a new vertical layer of sack rows can be thereafter piled up. The container is thereby filled as effectively as possible in both the longitudinal, transverse, and height direction without any manual contribution by handling of normally heavy sacks or similar articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Egon Hansen
  • Patent number: 5197845
    Abstract: A self-unloading train for the transfer of bulk commodities having a plurality of hopper cars coupled together, a train conveyor having an endless belt supported on the hopper cars in a position so as to receive material discharged from the hopper cars, and a conveyor guide positioned adjacent the discharge end of the train conveyor. The conveyor guide exerts a downward force onto the upper surface of the train conveyor. The conveyor guide comprises a frame affixed generally adjacent the discharge end of the train conveyor and a rotatable wheel connected to the frame. The rotatable wheel is in surface-to-surface contact with the upper surface of the train conveyor. A strut is connected to the rotatable wheel so as to adjust the angle of travel of the wheel relative to the curvature of the track and the curvature of the conveyor at the discharge end. Each of the hopper cars is connected to an adjacent car by an articulated coupling and by overlapping side bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Edwin D. Snead
  • Patent number: 5186596
    Abstract: A longitudinal extensible platform comprises a plurality of framed sections hingedly joined together. Each framed section comprises a first set of ground engaging rollers and a second set of load engaging rollers extending transversely of the framed section. A drive is mounted below the surface of the loading dock for driving an endless chain. The extensible platform is drivingly engaged to the endless chain and adapted for longitudinal movement therealong. The extensible platform has a platen at a forward end hingedly engaging the first framed section. The extensible platform is provided with a driven pusher assembly mounted thereon. The pusher assembly extending upwardly for abutting with the load resting on the extensible platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventors: Paul Boucher, Mario Boucher, John Ford, Gregg Stephenson
  • Patent number: 5181820
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Quipp Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christer A. Sjogren, Kevin Cote
  • Patent number: 5178253
    Abstract: An apparatus for displacing a conveyor includes a conveyor frame which displaceably supports a conveyor belt. A first mount rigidly supports the conveyor frame as a second mount is affixed to a vehicle; the first mount being pivotably connected to the second mount at a pivot axis. A link member is pivotally connected to the first mount. An extendable device pivotally connect the link member and the second mount, the extendable device axially extends and retracts resulting in displacement of the link member. There are a plurality of extendable devices, at least some of which are located on opposed lateral sides of said pivot axis, each extendable device, when retracted, extends those extendable devices on the opposed lateral side of the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Fix
  • Patent number: 5148739
    Abstract: A unique automated and comprehensive through-the-wall waste handling and storage system for treating organic and inorganic waste generated in a building of interest is disclosed in which waste to be discarded is loaded into a through-the-wall system from one side of a wall of the building of interest, stored in a container, and removed from the container on the other side of the wall of the building of interest. The container of the invention includes space conditioning refrigeration system and contemplates embodiments of an integrated waste handling and storage system which accommodate all types of waste and many levels of automation and which also eliminate many prior art sanitation and sorting problems associated with the handling and the storage of waste prior to disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Marcella M. Fox
    Inventor: Anthony Fox
  • Patent number: 5120179
    Abstract: A movable die support cart using a hydraulic drive powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid and having a frame structure including at least one continuous tubular beam with closed ends to define an interior space used as a reservoir for the hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Henderson, Richard L. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5118241
    Abstract: An interface for cargo loaders which is especially suited for use with aircraft cargo loaders. The interface is secured to a deck structure forming part of the cargo loader. The interface includes a primary interface member which can be extended or retracted with respect to the end of the deck. In addition to extension and retraction, the primary interface member can be angularly adjusted with respect to the end of the deck. A secondary interface member is stowed adjacent to the primary interface or nested within a recess formed in the primary interface. The secondary interface can be extended or retracted with respect to the primary interface member. The secondary interface can also be designed for angular adjustment. The primary interface also includes lateral extension members which can be varied in position to either decrease or increase the transverse length of the primary interface member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventors: Joseph W. Cochran, Victor H. Carder
  • Patent number: 5098248
    Abstract: A conveyor loader for loading railroad cars or the like with coal or other crushed, ground or particulate material includes a support providing a guideway extending along the line of railroad cars and a line of segmented carriages rollably mounted upon the guideway. An endless belt of elastomeric construction is supported by the line of carriages for movement of an upper run of the belt between the ends of the carriage lines. Motors are associated with each of the line of carriages and the conveyor belt for moving the carriage line and the belt in either of two directions relative to its supporting structure. During a loading operation with the loader, coal or other particulate material is delivered to the upper run of the belt from a central loading station and conveyed to an end of the belt where it is directed into a railroad car to be loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Robert M. McFall
  • Patent number: RE35555
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Quipp Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christer A. Sjogren, Kevin Cote