Abstract: A height adjustment system for automatically adjusting the height of the tail of a tilt bed truck in response to changes in the terrain profile. The tail of the bed of the truck is adjustable in height relative to ground level by a lifting mechanism, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electro-mechanical lift. The main components of the height adjustment system include a terrain following member and a support member. The terrain following member follows the terrain profile as the truck traverses the terrain. The support member movably attaches the terrain following member to the bed of the truck proximate the tail. The support member moves relative to the bed of the truck responsive to the terrain profile and is capable of assuming a range of positions, including a first position and a second position. The support member closes a first electrical contact when in the first position and closes a second electrical contact when in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat transporter cart device for facilitating the removal of a rear vehicle seat from a typical van or utility/sport-type vehicle and transporting the same to a desired storage location including a base member having a plurality of wheel members associated therewith for readily moving the overall cart device from one location to another, an upright support structure removably attachable to the base member, a platform member removably attachable to the upright support member for receiving and holding the vehicle seat thereon, the height of the platform member being adjustable relative to the base member so as to be compatible with the height of the rear bed area of the particular vehicle in question, and an additional support mechanism for supporting the platform member in a substantially horizontal position above the base member when a vehicle seat is positioned thereon, the additional support mechanism preferably comprising the standard vehicle jack which accompanies the particular vehicle in quest

Abstract: A self-unloading vehicle having a pivotable material containment vessel and an auger discharge device structurally coupled to the vessel to discharge the contents of the vessel. The material containment vessel includes a convex rear wall with an opening therein. The auger discharge device includes an auger and a tubular shell structurally coupled to the material containment vessel. The tubular shell encases the auger on both sides of the vessel opening and includes first and second longitudinal ends, and an opening between the first and second ends. The opening in the tubular support is in fluid communication with the opening in the material containment vessel. The auger extends partially through the opening in the rear wall of the material containment vessel and into the interior of the material containment vessel in a manner which eliminates all inaccessible regions inside the material containment vessel such that all of the material in the vessel can be discharged.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template bracket integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein, the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.

Abstract: A multiple compartment storage body for a refuse collection vehicle includes a floor, a roof, a plurality of walls and a partition. The plurality of walls extend between the floor and the roof and include a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls between the front wall and the rear wall. The roof, floor and walls define an interior storage space. The walls define a discharge opening. The partition extends from the front wall towards the rear wall and is positioned between the floor and the roof to divide the interior storage space into an upper compartment having a volume and a lower compartment having a volume. The partition is vertically movable so as to increase the volume of one of the upper and lower compartments in communication with the discharge opening.

Abstract: A turf collecting apparatus has a pan for collecting turf plugs discharged from an aerator. The pan is rotatably mounted on a frame so that the pan is freely rotatable within the frame. The connector is located on the frame at a point so that when the aerator is moved to a raised position, the pan is freely rotatable under the force of gravity to dump the turf plugs from the pan. The pan also has a counterweight connected thereto to cause the pan to rotate back to a collecting position after the turf plugs are dumped from the pan.

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle is devoid of a floor and includes a substantially C-shaped body defining a space surrounded or closed from three directions including forward and backward directions of the vehicle, two hook units disposed side by side at a bottom portion of the space and each having one hook horizontally movable back and forth in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle body, and an actuating unit disposed on a portion of the vehicle body for engaging and disengaging the hook and a carriage. The vehicle thus constructed is able to transfer the carriage and a freight within a small or limited space, thus reducing the transportation cost and the time of freight transfer operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for tilting mutually stacked boxes is useful when the top edge of a lower box in the stack is in guiding engagement with the bottom edge of an overlying box. The tilting device holds the boxes together in the stack and includes an element which is pivotally attached on or adjacent to a base supporting the stack, and which can be swung out from a first position in which the element extends substantially parallel with one side of the stack to another position in which the element forms an angle with this side. The element has mounted on the top thereof an abutment for abutting with a spring device operative to urge the gripping and holding device against the top edge of the uppermost box of the stack.

Abstract: A compact tag axle assembly which may be retrofitted to an existing vehicle such as a tilting bed carrier to allow the vehicle to comply with axle load regulations when operated over public roadways. The assembly mounts behind the vehicle's rear axle such that the auxiliary wheels are in close proximity to the rear vehicle wheels, with the support framework of the auxiliary wheels entirely behind the mounting location of these wheels. The assembly consists of two interconnected independently suspended auxiliary wheels which are connected to the vehicle through a centrally located pair of common mounting brackets. The assembly has a minimal longitudinal displacement relative to the main vehicle rear wheels and is easily mounted beneath an existing vehicle.

Abstract: In general, round bale carriers are somewhat bulky and expensive devices suitable for use only on larger farms. A relatively simple carrier for attachment to a baler includes a rectangular, rear wheel carried main frame for articulated connection to a baler using a small auxiliary frame, the main frame sloping rearwardly in use to a pair of pivotable V-shaped arms which normally maintain the bale on the main frame. When the carrier reaches a desired location, e.g. a windrow, the arms are rotated by actuating a hydraulic cylinder to dump the bale.

Abstract: A specially constructed pallet jack is used for transporting a heavy roll of paper having a central hollow core. The pallet jack includes a frame with elongated arms having first and second ends, with a first set of wheels mounted at the second end of the arms, and a second set of wheels mounted near the first end of the arms. A jack is provided for jacking up the first ends of the arms so that they are spaced from the wheels. Between the arms is a cradle having first and second ends with three obtuse angle-connected planar surfaces extending between the first and second ends. The first end of the cradle is pivotally mounted to the first ends of the arms, and the cradle is biased to a roll-receiving position by a gas spring. When a roll is rolled into the cradle, it pivots, dampened by shock absorbers to a roll-capture position in which the roll cannot spontaneously roll out of the cradle. A strap passes from the cradle through the core of the roll to positively hold it in place.

Abstract: A vehicle having a hinged bed with a hinge positioned such that a rear bed portion automatically pivots toward the ground in an inclined load/unload position when the vehicle is empty, forming a ramp for loading and unloading. The hinged bed automatically pivots to a horizontal transport position when a front portion of the bed is loaded. The vehicle includes a transport locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its horizontal transport position and a separate load/unload locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its inclined load/unload position. The vehicle includes embodiments comprising hydraulic pistons for converting the vehicle between a ramp-up, transport configuration and a ramp-down, load/unload configuration.

Abstract: A mobile container cart includes a pivoting mechanism for pivoting the container from a horizontal position to approximately 85-90 degree vertical position. The container rests atop the cart and has removable side and top plates. A semiconductor processing equipment assembly is loaded into the container while still hot. The container is sealed and pivoted to its vertical position for transport. Once at a servicing area, the container is repositioned horizontally and the top and side plates are removed. The cart now functions as a work bench for disassembling, servicing and reassembling the device. Diagnostics can be performed while the device is in the service area.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for moving large trees is disclosed that includes digging a trench around the tree, enclosing the soil inside the trench in the walls of a container, and sequentially removing sections of the supporting soil under the tree between trenches on opposite sides and replacing the sections with support members that form the bottom of the container. A vehicle for lifting the container upwardly until it clears the ground for moving the trees on the construction site is disclosed as is a unique trailer for moving the trees on a public road.

Abstract: A reciprocating floor (12) is provided at the bottom (22) of a container (10). The conveyor (12) may slope rearwardly from a front end to a rear end. A transverse liquid collection trough (30, 32) is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. Liquid in garbage or other material placed in the container (10) settles down onto the conveyor (12). This liquid is directed rearwardly along the conveyor to the trough (30, 32). It flows in the trough to an outlet (34, 34') which delivers it into a collection and holding tank (24). The tank (24) may include a plastic receptacle into which the liquid is collected.

Abstract: An inflatable bag (17) for use in exhaust powered tippers is constructed from blanks of flexible air tight material using a side wall template (10) and end wall templates (11, 12). The blanks are made so that the finished bag when fully inflated assumes an oblique cone-like shape (17) with rounded ends (19, 20). The side wall material is preferably a fabric having waft and weft fibres of uniform tensile strength so that the tension in the side wall is in the longitudinal direction as the bag inflates in order to reduce the tendency of the bag to rotate on its couplings. The invention can be provided in kit form where the bag is coupled for limited movement to load transmitting end plate (21, 22) for retro fitting the bag to a vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer with tiltable beds which makes loading and unloading easier. More particularly, a trailer with a wheeled undercarriage, a towbar, a frame which is releasably attached to and suspended from the towbar and a platform that can be tilted downward at both the front end and the rear end of the trailer.

Abstract: A hand truck particularly adapted for the movement of extremely heavy barrels has a wheeled base platform to which is pivotally attached a barrel holding frame having a forward vertical position and a braced reclining position against the truck. The barrel frame has its pivot point located at a sufficiently forward and low position so as to achieve approximately a ninety to one lever arm from the truck handle to the pivot point. The barrel frame has two lower barrel holding hooks. A pivoted barrel grasper, a lever arm having a pair of offset, facing grabber hooks, is positioned by means of a moveable pivot pin so as to engage the top lip of a barrel. In use, the barrel truck is moved in the erect position adjacent to a barrel; the grasper is positioned so that the grabber hooks enclose the upper rim of the barrel.

Abstract: A trailer having a hinged bed with a hinge positioned such that a rear bed portion automatically pivots toward the ground in an inclined load/unload position when the trailer is empty, forming a ramp for loading and unloading. The hinged bed automatically pivots to a horizontal transport position when a front portion of the bed is loaded. The trailer includes a transport locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its horizontal transport position and a separate load/unload locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its inclined load/unload position.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for skidding timber. Conventional skidders are generally large tracked or rubber tired vehicles having a fixed frame to which a towing cable is attached. The cable load applied to such skidders is rearward of the rear wheels tending to reduce the load on the front wheels and increase the load on the rear wheels. A vehicle in accordance with the invention includes a frame pivotally mounted upon the vehicle's chassis. A cable sheave is mounted upon the outer end of the frame and a towing cable reeved over the sheave with a cable winch attached to the forward end of the cable. Attachment means secure logs to the end of the cable. Abutment means connected to the outer end of the frame engage the attachment means as the cable and log are drawn forwardly by the winch. When the attachment and abutment means engage further winching in of the cable rotates the frame from a rearward position to a forward position. In the rearward position, the cable sheave is rearward of the vehicle's rear wheels.

Abstract: Spreading apparatus for use with a tractor, comprising frame means for attachment to the three-point-linkage of a tractor, a hopper mounted on the frame means, the hopper having means for allowing a substance, contained within the hopper, to be spread onto the ground; and means for moving the hopper relative to the frame to allow the hopper to rotate from a spreading position in which the hopper is in a substantially upright position to a loading position in which the hopper is in a substantially horizontal position whereby the hopper may be used as a shovel to allow the substance to be spread over the ground to be loaded into the hopper, means being provided to effect movement of the hopper between positions.

Abstract: A self-loading transport for round hay includes at tilt platform hinged to a transport platform. Round bales of hay are captured onto the tilt platform when it is in an upright position. Then, movement of the transport forward will raise and level the tilt platform with a bale of hay on it. When the tilt platform is in its full erect position, the bale of hay will roll forward from the tilt platform onto the transport platform. A rocker on the tilt platform aids in the smooth motion of the tilt platform and the rear of the transport platform from the transport position to a tilt position with a tilt platform in upright position. When the bales have been transported to the desired location, they are unloaded from the transport by permitting individual trays carrying the bales in transport on the transport platform to rotate upon the transport frame.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of low, stable, self-propelled vehicles adapted to carry disabled, infirmed or elderly persons. In each embodiment there is provided a load carrying floor that has its upper surface spaced below the axis of rotation of the rear wheels and which may be raised or lowered for facilitating entry onto the floor. In many embodiments, a wheelchair is adapted to be supported on the floor and a movable stop pivots upon movement of the floor between a raised and a lowered position. In each position, the stop functions to retain a wheelchair in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and carrying heavy loads includes a generally horizontally extending support beam attached between a pair of generally vertically extending posts. The distance between the ends of the support beam is selectively adjustable. The bottom end of each support post is attached to a side beam and the side beams are connected together at a front end by a steering mechanism and at a rear end by a beam assembly. Both the steering mechanism and the beam asssembly are selectively adjustable to vary the distance between the side beams to correspond to the distance between the ends of the support beam thereby maintaining the posts in a generally parallel relationship. The side beams are also selectively adjustable to vary the length of the load carrying apparatus. Ground engaging wheels are rotatably attached to the side beams and the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A bin for storing and handling bulk material includes a fill opening through which material is introduced into the bin for storage and a discharge opening in a bottom portion of the bin through which material stored in the bin is discharged. The bin includes a primary bin support frame, and has at least one dump assembly with a bin floor panel that is hinged adjacent the discharge opening of the bin. The bin floor panel is pivotable from a generally horizontal position to an angled position for dumping bulk material into the discharge opening. The dump assembly includes a selectively collapsible secondary frame connected to the bin floor panel and pivotable with the bin floor panel. The bin further includes a flexible and collapsible bin wall portion connected to the primary and secondary frames and the bin floor panel to form an enclosure for storage of bulk materials.

Abstract: A bin for storing and handling bulk material includes a fill opening through which material is introduced into the bin for storage and a discharge opening in a bottom portion of the bin through which material stored in the bin is discharged. The bin includes a primary bin support frame, and has at least one dump assembly with a bin floor panel that is hinged adjacent the discharge opening of the bin. The bin floor panel is pivotable from a generally horizontal position to an angled position for dumping bulk material into the discharge opening. The dump assembly includes a rigid secondary frame connected to the bin floor panel and pivotable with the bin floor panel. The bin further includes a flexible bin wall portion connected to the primary and secondary frames and the bin floor panel to form an enclosure for storage of bulk materials. The flexible bin wall portion is supported in an erect position by the primary and secondary frames for storage and discharge of bulk materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and carrying heavy loads includes a generally horizontally extending support beam attached between a pair of generally vertically extending posts. The lower end of each post is attached to one of a pair of generally horizontally extending side beams which are connected together at a front end by a steering mechanism. A winch for moving a load is coupled to the support beam and is connected to either a pan or directly to a load for releasably engaging and lifting a load. A rear edge of the pan is rotatably attached to the side beams and a front edge can be lifted by the winch to dump a load carried on the pan. A pair of lifting arms can be connected between the posts and the side beams to cooperate with the winch to move a load between the ground and a roof.

Abstract: Apparatus adaptable on a pusher vehicle for clearing and collecting objects such as refuse lying on the ground for their removal and possibly their loading, characterized in that it includes a fixed rear wall, substantially vertical, on which are articulated side walls, said rear wall being provided at its lower portion with retractable means forming a liftable bottom member for the collection of objects, their transportation and possibly their lifting up.

Abstract: A forward/reverse drive controller for controlling a vehicle, in which the output of an engine is transmitted through a clutch to an automatic transmission, in which the running direction of the vehicle is changed rapidly and alternately in opposite directions.

Abstract: A tank carrier and manipulator primarily for handling cylindrical tanks of liquid such as liquified gas or chemicals and inverting them for use. Normally mounted on a wheeled vehicle for transport and liquid dispensing use, the tank is strapped to a support member while standing in a vertical position on the ground. The tank can then be tilted to a desired angle clearing structure on the vehicle and rotated approximately 180.degree. to present the top of the tank in a generally downward position for dispensing its contents in liquid form. The vehicle can contain auxiliary equipment such as a pressure vessel for heating the liquid and delivering it as a gas.

Abstract: A bin for storing and handling bulk material includes a fill opening through which material is introduced into the bin for storage and a discharge opening in a bottom portion of the bin through which material stored in the bin is discharged. The bin is erectable over a flat support bed. The bin includes an upright frame that is positionable adjacent to a discharge area of the flat bed to bring the discharge opening of the bin into alignment with the discharge area of the flat bed. The bin includes an outer shield hinged in a lower portion of the frame so that the shield pivots between a closed vertical position against one side of the frame and an open horizontal position away from the frame. The bin includes a floor panel independently hinged inside the outer shield adjacent the discharge opening of the bin, the bin floor panel being pivotable with the outer shield from the horizontal open position to the vertical closed position.

Abstract: A transport cart for material carriers such as bobbins or drums having threads or other elongated material wound thereon, has a cart frame with wheels and a tilting frame journalled in said cart frame. The tilting frame carries two parallel skids for supporting a material carrier on its rollers. The tilting frame is tiltable between a first position in which the skids extend horizontally for loading a material carrier onto the cart, and a second position in which the skids extend vertically for unloading a material carrier, or vice versa.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted sand hopper having a trailer pivotally mountable at the front end of a motor-driven truck. The sand hopper is tiltably mounted on the rear portion of the trailer and is releasably secured to the rear portion of the trailer. The hopper is capable of being tilted to vertical and horizontal positions with respect to the trailer by engagement of a winch and cable system. The hopper is provided with backing plates which facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the hopper from the trailer.

Abstract: A silo mover apparatus comprising a main frame that is movable across the ground on a plurality of support wheels, and which has a subframe pivotallymounted thereon adjacent one end. The subframe can be raised about the pivot to a substantially vertical position through the use of hydraulic cylinders, stabilized in position adjacent to a silo to be moved, clamped to the silo by straps, after the silo has been suitably reinforced, and then the silo can be lifted and tilted downwardly with the subframe to rest on the main frame for transport to a new location. At the new location the silo is then raised by raising the subframe about its pivot, to place the silo onto the desired platform, after which the members that clamp the silo and subframe together are removed.

Abstract: A bale loading-stacking apparatus is provided for mounting on the bed or frame of a truck, trailer or the like to collect and load bales, such as bales of hay, and to deposit the collected bales at an accumulation location. The apparatus includes an accumulator platform pivotally mounted to the bed or frame of the truck, trailer, or the like to permit the platform to be pivoted between a horizontal position for loading the bales to a vertical position for depositing a stack of bales. A bale loading apparatus is mounted at the rear of the platform which includes a loading ramp pivotally mounted so as to be pivotable between a generally horizontal position at ground level extending rearwardly of the platform and a generally vertical position extending above the rear end of the platform. Power means are provided for pivoting the platform and for pivoting the loading ramp.

Abstract: A dump trailer having a chassis with ground engaging wheels under one end, a heavy duty hoist on the other end and a dump body pivoted to the chassis at the wheel supported end and adapted to be elevated by the heavy duty hoist incorporates a floor structure in the body including longitudinal and transverse frame members and provides resilient cushions on each of the transverse frame members of the body where they rest on the chassis when the body is in normal transport position.

Abstract: A truck designed to handle loads. The truck comprises a truck body which is movable by means of driving wheels. The truck body may be raised and lowered relative to the driving wheels, both in order to compensate for differences in levels between the loading bridge and the loading platform on a lorry and in order to compensate for any inclination of the lorry loading platform. The truck is provided with one or several lifting forks to handle loading pallets. The forks are comparatively long and are provided at their front ends with steerable support wheels which are also arranged to be operated for raising and lowering movements.

Abstract: A trailer particularly for loading and unloading hay bales has a pivotal loading carriage at its rearward end with loading forks which can be backed under a bale and used to lift the bale onto the trailer by pivotal movement of the carriage. The trailer includes a longitudinally movable carrier with a releasable fork for moving the bale from the carriage toward a forward end of the trailer, and also for unloading bales by reverse movement of the carrier. A winch and cable drive is provided both for moving the carrier lengthwise along the trailer in forward and reverse directions, and for providing pivotal movement of the carriage when the carrier is received therein.

Abstract: A dump apparatus comprising a base frame removably mounted on a rear body of a truck etc., a loading box rotatably mounted on the base plate, an inflatable bag provided between the loading box and the base plate and a hose for feeding exhaust gas from an engine into the bag to inflate the same and tip the loading box by the inflation of the bag.

Abstract: A truck in the nature of an automotive vehicle for carrying and moving heavy loads, bulky articles, freight, etc., has a wheeled front section which includes a cab and an engine compartment and a wheeled rear section which includes a cargo-receiving bed. The two sections are articulated to permit raising of the truck at the articulation or joint between the sections, causing the front section to slope downwardly and forwardly from the joint and the rear section to slope downwardly and rearwardly from the joint, resulting in the bed being positioned in a small angle of inclination relative to the plane of the surface which supports the truck such as to facilitate loading and unloading. The bed is reciprocable fore and aft of the rear section by use of hydraulic power means for placing its rear ramp against such surface, and a linkage system, also hydraulically powered, effects the tilting operation.

Abstract: A rear dump truck for transporting particulate material and simultaneously discharging and sieving the material. The rear dump truck includes a load box divided into a front section and a rear section by a partition dump door. The front section of the box forms a load chamber space for carrying the particulate material and the rear section forms a load chamber space including wire sieves for sieving purposes. To adjust the flow rate of the particulate material passing from the front section into the rear section through below the partition dump door upon the tilting up of the box, a stopper which is tiltable by a hydraulic jack is positioned just before the partition dump door. The particulate material is supplied in a suitable amount at a given time through the adjustment of the tilting of the stopper and passes onto the wire sieves. The material is sieved and the sieved particles are discharged through rear dump doors according to the particle sizes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading of a piece of equipment on a lorry. The apparatus includes an arm pivotally interconnected with the lorry and a first jack interposed the lorry and the arm. A jib is telescopically interconnected with the arm. A movable platform is interconnected with a hook on the jib. A cable passes over a pulley interconnected with the movable platform and is hooked to the chassis at one of its ends and to the piece of equipment at the other of its ends. The method includes the steps of moving the piece of equipment rearwardly along the movable platform, the movement of the piece of equipment therealong acting through the cable and pulley to displace the movable platform rearwardly relative to the lorry until the movable platform and the piece of equipment are displaced to a position wherein they are unbalanced on the lorry. Gravity is then used to permit the lowering, by a tilting action, of the movable platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering solid fuel into a fireplace safely and easily includes a fuel supporting rack which may be pivoted between a horizontal fuel supporting position to a downwardly angled unloading position by means of a control lever having its operating end positioned a substantial distance from the fireplace.

Abstract: An ambulance for the transport of sick or injured horses. The rear portion of the ambulance housing is selectively lowered into an inclined, ground engaging position for animal loading and unloading, and selectively raised into a standard, horizontal position for transport. A vertical partition, or press wall, within the housing is movable into selective positions for lateral support and confinement of the loaded animal. Angled unloading ramps provide a gradually inclined walkway for animal exit through either side of the lowered ambulance housing. A winch and cable assembly allows a thoroughly disabled animal to be dragged upon a "flexible pallet" into the ambulance in its lowered position.

Abstract: An apparatus for withdrawing compressed fodder or similar agricultural material from a pile has an engaging tool which is mounted on a cantilever arm arrangement. This arrangement is capable of reaching over a quantity of fodder to be withdrawn and engaging behind the quantity from above so that the remainder of the material will not be loosened. The engaging tool shifts the quantity of fodder into a receptacle which is mounted on a common support with the cantilever arm arrangement, the support being adapted to be mounted on a tractor. Hydraulic cylinder-and-piston units connected to the hydraulic system of the tractor are used for moving the engaging tool into and from the receptacle.

Abstract: The invention provides a trailer including a wheeled chassis which is connected to a load support frame by an articulated linkage whereby the frame can be moved vertically in relation to the chassis. A manually actuated lever enables the frame to be vertically moved between a lowered, unloading position and an upper, traveling position. The linkage enables the loading frame to be angled forwardly and downwardly in the traveling position whereby a catamaran or other load mounted thereon provides a stabilizing aero-foil effect during forward movement of the trailer.

Abstract: A front wheel drive vehicle having a bed supported by the rear wheels of the vehicle by a pair of jacks. The jacks cause lowering of the bed rear end to rest on the road surface for embarkation of a disabled vehicle on the bed.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting vehicles and/or containers, includes a driver cab and a rear axle. A loading platform is mounted on the vehicle and is movable between transportation and loading positions. The platform has front and rear sections. The rear section projects in a cantilevered fashion beyond the rear axle of the vehicle and adapted to be lowered to the ground for loading and unloading vehicles and/or containers. The rear section is bent downward with respect to the front section at an angle. A push-pull unit is mounted on the front section of the loading platform. A tipping support mechanism is mounted on the vehicle directly above the rear axle for pivotally supporting the platform. A tail wheel is mounted to the rear section of the platform. The rear section further includes a tiltable, drive on ramp upon which the vehicles and/or containers are moved during loading and unloading operations. A trailer coupling mechanism is directly connected to the tipping support mechanism.

Abstract: A walkie low-lift truck with tiltable platen having improved stability and tilting characteristics. The truck comprises a main frame, on which are mounted a drive-steer wheel and motorized propulsion means, and a tiltable load-supporting frame connected to the front of the main frame and supported by load-carrying wheels mounted on rearwardly foldable struts. A load-carrying platen is attached to the load-supporting frame and is movable between a raised position for supporting and transporting a load and a lowered position in which the upper surface of the platen slopes forward and downward from the main frame so that the front edge thereof is in close proximity to the floor to allow a load to be picked up or discharged.

Abstract: An automatically actuated hydraulically powered vibrator system for loosening the contents of a semi trailer dump body so that it will break away at its natural dumping angle. The semi trailer dump includes a hydraulic pump which delivers hydraulic fluid under pressure to extend a telescoping hydraulic cylinder to raise the dump body to a dumping position. An adjustable normally closed pressure relief valve is set to open when the pressure in the cylinder reaches a predetermined level corresponding to a dump body angle a few degrees less than the normal dumping angle for the commodity being dumped. When the valve opens, hydraulic fluid is pumped to a hydraulic motor which drives a vibrator which is bolted to the dump body. The vibrator loosens the material being dumped and prepares it to slide out of the body at its natural dumping angle.