Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying apparatus (200, 200?, 200?, 200??) for feeding washware (100, 101) to at least one conveyor belt (50, 51, 52) of a commercial conveyor warewasher (1), with a conveying system (201) for conveying the washware (100, 101), in particular for feeding trays or tray-like washware (100), of cutlery and/or of other washware (101). The invention is characterized by an unloading station (202, 202?, 202?, 202??) for automatically unloading the washware (100, 101) from the conveying apparatus (200, 200?, 200?, 200??) transversely to the conveying direction of the conveying system (201), in which the trays (100), with or without cutlery (103) lying on them, can be oriented on edge and parallel to the transport direction of the conveying system (201), so as to be capable of being placed onto a conveyor belt (50) of the conveyor warewasher.

Abstract: A method and a device for the automated emptying of packets and packages or similar piece goods from a collection or transport container holding the piece goods. The container is pivotable to this end by way of a tipping device at least temporarily holding the container, according to a defined motion schema, into an emptying position. In order to provide an effective, automated solution for gently emptying packets and packages or similar piece goods from collection or transport containers, allowing for simultaneous minimizing of the damage occurring at low cycle times, the collection or transport container is tipped out, wherein the motion schema and thus the tipping procedure of the collection or transport container can be accelerated or decelerated as a function of the current emptying procedure and/or considering the speed and/or amount of the tipped-out piece goods.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling and tipping in air a container or a movable case to unload its contents is described. Said apparatus comprises an upper frame coupled to lifting means and a lower frame coupled to a container, where the two frames are connected to each other by hinges at one end, and by a piston device at the other end, the piston device being capable of separating the two frames by a given angle between a closed resting position and an open working position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container tilting apparatus which includes at least one base section, and at least two tilt arms, with each of the tilt arms being pivotably connected to a base section. The tilt arms may be configured to engage different portions of the container. Also included is at least one tilt arm drive configured to pivot a tilt arm relative to a base section. The apparatus is arranged so that at least one tilt arm is pivotably connected to abase section at a point offset from the center of the tilt arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of sediment from sparkling wines, designed to remove the capsule covering the neck of a bottle (18) containing sparkling wine, comprising: a frame (12), a tilting mechanism (14) comprising: a holder (16) for supporting a bottle (18) in a predetermined position, said holder (16) being movable on the frame (12) between a low position, in which the neck is inclined downwards, and a high position in which the neck is inclined upwards, and a capsule removing mechanism (32) provided with at least one capsule removing knife, said capsule removing mechanism (32) being movable on the holder (16) and synchronized with said holder (16) so that the said capsule removing knife or knives remove(s) the capsule, when the holder (16) is in a predetermined angular position relative to the horizontal. The capsule removing knife is movable relative to the capsule removing mechanism (32).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container tilting apparatus which includes at least one base section, and at least two tilt arms, with each of the tilt arms being pivotably connected to a base section. The apparatus also includes at least two container locks with each container lock being configured to engage a tilt arm with a side wall of a container. Also included is at least one tilt arm drive configured to pivot a tilt arm relative to a base section. The apparatus is arranged so that at least one tilt arm is pivotably connected to a base section at a point offset from the center of the tilt arm.

Abstract: A round module unwrapping method is disclosed. Said round module unwrapping method comprising: supporting one or more round modules on a module feeder floor of a round module unwrapping system, detaching a first flap from a second flap of a module wrapper of said round modules, and pulling said second flap of said module wrapper. Said round module unwrapping system comprises a module feeder floor, a first side and a second side. Each of said round modules comprise a module wrapper holding a packed fibrous material. Each of said round modules comprise a first side, a second side, a front, a back, a top, and a bottom. Each of said module wrappers comprise said first flap, said second flap, an inside surface, and an outside surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for turning a cargo carrier (3) with the purpose of discharging the same of cargo, which system comprises a transport device (1) having a chassis, a cargo carrier (3) loosely carried on the chassis and provided with engagement points (6a, 6b), a first turning device (10) disposed to engage with the engagement points (6a) of the cargo carrier as well as to actuate the cargo carrier for the turning of the same, and a second turning device (11) disposed to engage with the engagement points (6b) of the cargo carrier at the same time as the first turning device actuates the cargo carrier, members for the control and actuation of at least the first device (10), and members for the correct positioning of the cargo carrier (3). Upon actuation of the first device (10), the cargo carrier is disposed to tilt so that the engagement points arranged on the second side of the cargo carrier will engage with the second turning device (11).

Abstract: A reusable up-ending device for loading or unloading nuclear fuel assembly shipping packages. The device has a translating base mounted to a fixed beam structure and two stabilizing arms affixed to a mounting fixture on the base that is secured to the operating floor. The stabilizing arms include a spring dampener and have a simple elbow joint that straightens after the package is up righted. Translation is achieved by means of a hand adjustable lead screw and enables the base to be most advantageously positioned. The shipping package is inserted into pivot mount blocks located at the front of the base and the package is secured at the pivot mount blocks by means of a trunnion and at the support arms by means of a locking pin. Once the package is up-righted the elbows on the support arms are locked in place.

Abstract: The device for unloading an open-top tray filled with flat articles placed in a stack on the bottom of the tray comprises a pivot member suitable for taking hold of the tray and for tilting its opening downwards. The device further comprises: a pusher for holding the flat articles at the bottom of the tray when the tray is tilted; a shuttle box moved by a conveyor between the pivot member and a box unloading zone remote from the pivot member, the shuttle box having a bottom with back and front walls that are retractable or removable relative to the bottom; a box tilting device for tilting the box into a tilted position immediately below the tray; and a moving paddle mounted to be moveable vertically and horizontally, and designed in such a manner as to retract the front wall of the box and as to be inserted between the back wall of the box and the stack of flat articles.

Abstract: Presented is a device for lifting land/sea containers off of a trailer chassis and for tipping them into a vertical position for loading. The device includes a door opening assembly for opening and closing the doors, including when the container is in a vertical position. When the container is filled, the doors would be closed and the container would be lowered to a horizontal position. From the horizontal position, the device is configured to place the container on the chassis of a trailer for towing by a truck.

Abstract: A container-contents discharging station may include a guard in sealing engagement with a container prior to inverting the container to discharge its contents. A container-contents discharging station may also include an air bellows to seal an open top of a container to a guard prior to inverting the container to discharge its contents. A method for retrofitting an existing container-contents discharging system removes an existing enclosure and replaces it with a modified enclosure having a sealing guard and a container lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle such as a truck or trailer is disclosed including an apparatus thereon which may be connected to a recycle container so that the recycle container may be lifted from the ground onto the vehicle and then transported to a processing site. Once at the processing site, the apparatus causes the refuse container to be pivotally moved with respect to the vehicle so that the contents of the container are dumped from the container without the removal of the container from the vehicle.

Abstract: An articulated lift aim assembly for a refuse receptacle generally includes an engaging device for releasably grasping the receptacle, an extendable boom along with an articulated arm mechanism interconnecting the book and the engaging device. A gear arrangement provides for coupling the boom and the arm for raising the arm mechanism with respect to the boom, rotating the arm mechanism with respect to the boom during raising of the arm mechanism and inverting the engaging device and receptacle during raising of the arm mechanism. A gravity operated hook is provided for latching the receptacle when the receptacle is inverted to prevent undesired release from the engaging device.

Abstract: A bin, including a receptacle movable between a first condition of use for loading and a second condition of use in which it can be engaged for emptying; and attachment means including first and second elongate sleeves for engagement by respective forks of a front lift truck, wherein in the second condition of use the receptacle is arranged in a manner whereby forks of a front lift truck can engage respective sleeves of the attachment means so that the bin can be lifted and emptied by the truck.

Abstract: An embodiment of an assist device for maneuvering a tire and wheel assembly is provided. The device comprises a base member, a support frame configured to support a tire and wheel assembly thereon, and a sliding mechanism disposed between the base member and support frame, wherein the sliding mechanism is configured to move the support frame sideways, forward, and backward relative to the base member.

Abstract: A remote trip lever release system for application to a self dumping hopper having a base platform, a rotatable dump body mounted thereto and a latching mechanism having a trip lever engageable with a locking pin on the dump body and configured to control the rotation of the dump body thereon is provided. The trip lever release system includes a base assembly comprising a longitudinally extending hollow member mountable to the base platform. An extendable release arm is moveable within the hollow member from a closed or compact position to an open or extended position to lengthen the release system. A release cable has a first end, engageable with the trip lever of the latching mechanism, and a second end. The release cable is operable from the second end to disengage the trip lever from the locking pin on the dump body.

Abstract: A charging device for a tube reactor has a plurality of metering chambers which can be filled with filling material, for example a catalytically coated carrier material. Each metering chamber is adjoined by a drop tube or some other filling device via which a tube of the filling device can be filled in each case. The metering chambers can each be filled via antechambers which are combined into one replaceable antechamber unit.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle such as a truck or trailer is disclosed including an apparatus thereon which may be connected to a recycle container so that the recycle container may be lifted from the ground onto the vehicle and then transported to a processing site. Once at the processing site, the apparatus causes the refuse container to be pivotally moved with respect to the vehicle so that the contents of the container are dumped from the container without the removal of the container from the vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for tilting objects includes a lower portion which comprises at least one foot plate and at least three supporting walls. A height of the top of the lower portion is about the height of a supporting structure. The apparatus also includes an upper portion which comprises a substantially flat surface and at least one connector for coupling a node carrier to the upper portion. The upper portion is coupled to the lower portion, and the upper portion tilts relative to the lower portion between an angle about horizontal to an angle about vertical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container tilting apparatus which includes at least one base section, and at least two tilt arms, with each of said tilt arms being pivotably connected to a base section. The apparatus also includes at least two container locks with each container luck being configured to engage a tilt arm with a side wall of a container. Also included is at least one tilt arm drive configured to pivot a tilt arm relative to a base section. The apparatus is arranged so that at least one tilt arm is pivotably connected to a base section at a point offset from the centre of the tilt arm.

Abstract: A material handling device may be configured to move and deliver a variety of materials throughout a worksite. The material handling device may be configured to be supported on a variety of vehicle platforms. Once the material handling device has been transported, the materials may be dumped from the material handling device. The dumping process may be initiated through the use of an actuator. The material handling device may comprise a dump body and a base frame. The dump body may be configured to be hingedly attached to the base frame. The base frame may comprise at least one first tube and at least one second tube. Both the first tube and the second tube may be configured to receive a fork and/or any other suitable support structure from a vehicle. The material handling device may comprise an actuator, a pump, and a reservoir which may be positioned within an actuator system area.

Abstract: An intermodal container tipping apparatus includes an upper support structure configured to be releasably mounted to a container transfer device, such as a reach stacker or crane, and a second support structure configured to be releasably mounted to an intermodal container. The lower supports structure includes at least one arcuate beam. The at least one arcuate beam attaches the lower support structure to the upper support structure. Movement of the at least one arcuate beam relative to the upper support structure causes tipping of the lower support structure and any load attached thereto while substantially maintaining a relative position of the center of gravity of the load.

Abstract: Mail reorientation apparatus which transfers horizontally oriented mail stack in an input tray to a vertical orientation in an output tray. The input tray is brought to a rotating station where a plate is brought down on top of the mail stack and a plurality of pusher rods are extended through apertures in the bottom of the input tray to contact the bottom of the mail stack. The rotation process orients the mail stack to the desired vertical orientation and the rods and plate are simultaneously moved to eject the mail from the input tray to the output tray.

Abstract: A dumping tub and attachment may include a tub, mounting structure and caster wheel assembly. The mounting structure may be connected to the standard bucket of a utility loader. The mounting structure may be pivotally connected to the rear and bottom of the tub along a lateral axis. The caster wheel assembly may be connected to the front of the tub.

Abstract: A container handling mechanism suitable for mounting on the side of a refuse vehicle for loading material from refuse containers is disclosed that includes a lift assembly, having a pair of spaced, generally parallel lift support members, attachable to a refuse vehicle, a carriage device reciprocally operable along the lift support members of the lift assembly, a container grabbing system carried by the carriage device and further including a pair of opposed grabber fingers and an actuator system for closing and opening the grabber fingers to engage and release containers of interest, the container grabbing system being vertically pivotable on a short radius for adjusting the position of and tipping a container. A chain and cylinder drive system operates the carriage device along the lift assembly, and a control system controls operation of the container handling mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for loading mail objects. The system includes a bucket assembly which holds variable sized mail holding containers. An actuator system moves the bucket assembly between at least an upright position, an intermediate tilt position and a fully tilt position. At least one sensor detects whether any of the variable sized mail holding containers has reached a fill capacity at each of the upright position, the intermediate tilt position and the fully tilt position. A feedback control system controls an indexing of the bucket assembly, via the actuator system, between the upright position, the intermediate tilt position and the fully tilt position. In the intermediate position, packages or other mail objects are permitted to settle within any of the variable sized mail holding containers such that additional packages or other mail objects can be introduced into the any of the variable sized mail holding containers in the intermediate position.

Abstract: A bundle handling device is provided that includes a frame, a body, a scoop, a ramp and a controller. The body is mounted to the frame and includes a first opening through which bundles are loaded and a second opening through which bundles are discharged. The scoop and the ramp are mounted to the body. The scoop covers a substantial portion of the second opening, while the ramp covers the remaining portion. The controller is coupled to a plurality of actuators and a plurality of sensors, and controls the rotation of the body, the opening and closing of the scoop and the opening and closing of the ramp, in order to discharge a metered portion of bundles through the second opening.

Abstract: A device for unloading a container having a removal opening has a rotatably mounted supporting surface mounted to turn around a first turning axis, a rotatably mounted retaining means, and a synchronizing means. The unloading device causes a container on the supporting surface to tilt so that the removal opening of the tilted container points obliquely or vertically downwards. The retaining means prevent an article inside the tilted container from moving linearly through the removal opening. The retaining means is mounted to turn around a second turning axis. The synchronizing means is configured for synchronizing turning of the supporting surface around the first turning axis, wherein the retaining means turns around the second turning axis. The synchronized turning of the supporting surface and retaining means causes the container standing on the supporting surface to tilt such that the removal opening of the tilted container points obliquely or vertically downwards.

Abstract: A pallet on which a product is shipped is provided with a lifting capability built into the pallet. By inclusion of the lifting capability in accordance with this invention, moving a product from horizontal to vertical position is facilitated.

Abstract: An off-loading conveyor of produce having utility in the discrimination and separation of watermelons includes a support structure defining a conveying path, an endless flexible element mounted on the support structure to extend and to move along the conveying path and support elements mounted to pivot from the conveying path and to move with the endless flexible element along the conveying path. The support elements are mounted to mounts which are attached to the endless flexible element. These elements are pivotally mounted to the mount and extend transversely across the conveying path of the conveyor from pivots in alternation from opposite sides of the conveying path. The support elements include elongate bodies which are pivoted adjacent one end and employ a rotatably mounted wheel adjacent the other end. The wheels define a conveying channel and are able to be lifted by cams upwardly to off load produce from either side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A deployable receptacle includes a tray for supporting an object thereon and being movable between a storing position and a deploying position. The tray stores an object thereon when the tray is disposed in the storing position and deploys the object therefrom when the tray is disposed in the deploying position. A lever is coupled to the tray for moving the tray between the storing position and the deploying position.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing bulk closures from a removable and transportable bin. The system has a pivotable frame for receiving and tilting the bin and a movable gate including a closed position in which the gate covers the bin opening and an open position in which the gate is spaced apart from the opening to enable closures to flow therethrough. The gate is moveable from the open position to the closed position while closures are within the bin, thereby enabling dispensing of less than all of the closures from the bin. The system may include an access cover, hopper, slide gates, and access shield. The method may include employing the system and unloading only a portion of a particular bin.

Abstract: A device is used to convey empty rolls that have been removed by at least one roll changer of a web-fed rotary printing press. At least one empty roll receptacle can be displaced between the roll changer, where the empty rolls are held by the receptacle after they are removed by the roll changer, and an emptying station where the empty rolls are removed from the receptacle. A collection receptacle is provided at the emptying station. The empty rolls are emptied from the empty roll receptacle to the collection receptacle.

Abstract: A lift apparatus for conveying, lifting and at least partially inverting a refuse container for emptying into a dumpster or a refuse receptacle. The apparatus preferably has a base with wheels and a handle to facilitate transport. In one embodiment, the handle telescopes vertically and is hook shaped and adapted for engaging the lip of a dumpster or garbage chute. A pair of offset pivot arms is pivotally mounted to the frame and to a bin carriage, into which a refuse receptacle may be received. Application of a pivoting force to the pivot arms lifts and at least partially inverts the bin carriage for emptying the refuse container. Preferably a damper is provided on bin carriage movement as well as a locking mechanism to prevent bin carriage movement while being conveyed. The device may be operated manually, or adapted with mechanical power output devices to simplify lifting.

Abstract: A transport system for cargo containers includes at least two spaced-apart conveyors for transporting a cargo container in conveying direction along a substantially horizontal transport path, wherein at least one conveyor is driven. Disposed to the side of the other conveyor is an unloading device for discharging the cargo by tilting the container. The unloading device includes a track with a looped section, and a plurality of couplers constructed for engagement with the containers at a leading end of the looped section, as viewed in conveying direction, and for disengagement from the containers at a trailing end of the looped section. The looped section is spatially configured to tilt the container as a one of the couplers engages the oncoming container on one side adjacent the other conveyor and is guided along the track.

Abstract: A dumper apparatus and method for transferring bulk parts from a parts container into a receptacle includes an outer hopper having a parts container cradle pivotally mounted therein. The hopper is swung up from an upright front end up position while the cradle is thereby also simultaneously pivoted thereby by a linkage from a horizontal position, causing the parts to be dumped from the container into the hopper and thence from the hopper into the receptacle as the hopper reaches a front end downwardly inclined position.

Abstract: A collection bin assembly (10) for a commercial laundry and which comprises a frame (16) resting on a floor (G) and a bin (15) supported in the frame (16) with its mouth (39) oriented to receive items of laundry, the frame (16) further including a track (31) which has an upward inclination relative to the floor (G) with the bin (15) being displaceable along the track (31) for both upward and translational movement relative to the floor moving the bin from a lowered position in which its receives laundry to a raised discharge position sufficiently clear of the floor to permit discharge of any contents in the bin onto a conveyor (12).

Abstract: A method for the treatment of conditions associated with a need for inhibition of GSK-3, such as diabetes, dementias such as Alzheimer's disease and manic depression which method comprises the administration of a pharmaceutically effective, non-toxic amount of a compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, wherein: R is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl; R1 is hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl or alkoxyalkyl; R2 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl; R3 is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl or aralkyl wherein the aryl moiety is substituted or unsubstituted; or, R1 and R3 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a single or fused, optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated heterocylic ring; to a human or non-human mammal in need thereof, and compounds of formula I.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controllably dumping a container. A first lift line is operatively connected at a rotational axis of the container. The container is rotatable about the rotational axis between a loading position and a dumping position. A second lift line is movable in an upward direction to raise a free end portion of a pivot link to rotate the container about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A retainer arm assembly (30) for use in a container unloading assembly (10) for unloading containers (C) of various sizes. Pivot posts (34) are attached to opposite sides (20) of a fixture (18) into which containers to be unloaded are set. The fixture is movable to invert the container and dump its contents. Retaining arms (32) are mounted on each pivot post and moved by the pivot posts to a position above an open end of the container. The retaining arms now retain container in the fixture as the contents of the container are dumped. A mechanism (54) is activated to rotate each post from a first position to a second position, after the container is placed in the fixture, for the retaining arms to be located above the container. Other of the retaining arms mounted on each pivot post may contact the container as the pivot posts are rotated.

Abstract: A device in which a lifting hopper (82) traverses up along inclined rails (16L) and (16R) and dumps a load into a receptacle of some nature. The lifting hopper (82) will accept a variety of material and debris laden carts, tilt trucks, and wheel barrows. No modifications or special attachments are needed to use the various carts, tilt trucks, and wheel barrows. The loaded cart, tilt truck or wheel barrow positions in the lifting hopper and secures in place. The lifting hopper (82) traverses up along incline rails (16L) and (16R), rotates and dumps, then returns to the original position ready for another cycle. Material or debris may load directly into the lifting hopper (82) without the use of a cart, tilt truck, or wheel barrow when wheel (58) extends the dumping device can reposition around the material or debris receptacle, or loaded onto a truck or trailer and transported to a different site.

Abstract: A container contents unloading apparatus and methods are provided for distributing load lift and effecting a smooth rotational pivot of a container-holding carriage to slidably discharge the content of the held container and smoothly return the emptied container to an originating position. The container contents unloading apparatus preferably includes a load distributing lifter, preferably provided by a pair of endless loops to propel and guide lift and return movement, a load distributing arm to evenly distribute load lift, and a link connecting a container holding carriage. The endless loops are propelled through a closed path, the closed path having a first and second centerline inclined with respect to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improved materials handling devices, and more particularly, to containers into which materials are easily loaded and unloaded and which provide for the efficient storage and transportation of the materials deposited therein. The present invention is also directed to unloading facilities associated with the containers which facilitate the removal of the materials deposited in the containers from such containers. The present invention is particularly well suited to provide a materials handling device for storing and transporting scrap metals, which materials handling device includes a container into which, and from which, the scrap metal is easily loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A container turn-over apparatus (1) including a base (2) and a container cradled (3) with openable latchable ends (8,9) and an open side (6) to allow a container to be placed in the cradle (3). Two selectively engagable spaced apart pivotal connections (12,14 & 13,15) allow the cradle (3) to be turned end over by means of piston and cylinder assemblies (44). When the cradle (3) is turned over to stand on one of its ends (8,9) the other end of the cradle (3) is automatically unlatched and opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a rotation-symmetrical container with a mouth which comprises:positioning means for placing and holding a container in a raised inclined position such that the mouth is situated on the underside;first drive means for rotating the container round its centre line; andscraping means for placing into the container and drivable in the direction of the centre line thereof by means of the second drive means,such that during the action of the first and the second drive means the inner surface of the container is scraped clean.

Abstract: A lift and dump apparatus comprising a dumper unit for holding articles therein. A stable frame unit is also provided. A facility is for pivotally connecting the dumper unit to the stable frame unit. An assembly is for lifting the dumper unit, so that the dumper unit can go from an upright position to a tipped over position on the stable frame unit, to discharge all the articles therefrom. A structure on the stable frame unit is for transporting the dumper unit along a horizontal floor surface to and from a conveyor belt, to receive the articles when the dumper unit goes into the tipped over position.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for emptying a load of multilayer container columns is disclosed. An improved multilayer container column construction includes a plurality of vertically aligned and stacked containers connected to one another by hinges along their lower front edges. The containers have lift arms connected to their back sides so that they can be lifted forward about their hinged edges for emptying their contents through discharge gate sides. Automated gate opening means is provided for selectively opening the container gates. Automated lifting apparatus, generally located at a processing plant, is configured to sequentially tilt the containers of the container column load while still on the transport truck, to systematically gently unload the container contents, one level at a time into an accompanying discharge collector.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for emptying a load of multilayer container columns is disclosed. An improved multilayer container column construction includes a plurality of vertically aligned and stacked containers connected to one another by hinges along their lower front edges. The containers have lift arms connected to their back sides so that they can be lifted forward about their hinged edges for emptying their contents through discharge gate sides. Automated gate opening apparatus is provided for selectively opening the container gates. Automated lifting apparatus, generally located at a processing plant, is configured to sequentially tilt the containers of the container column load while still on the transport truck, to systematically gently unload the container contents, one level at a time into an accompanying discharge collector.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for emptying a load of multilayer container columns is disclosed. An improved multilayer container column construction includes a plurality of vertically aligned and stacked containers connected to one another by hinges along their lower front edges. The containers have lift arms connected to their back sides so that they can be lifted forward about their hinged edges for emptying their contents through discharge gate sides. Automated gate opening apparatus is provided for selectively opening the container gates. Automated lifting apparatus, generally located at a processing plant, is configured to sequentially tilt the containers of the container column load while still on the transport truck, to systematically gently unload the container contents, one level at a time into an accompanying discharge collector.