Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for the delivery of one or more items onto one or more target surfaces including elevated surfaces and inclined surfaces. An apparatus of this disclosure is operationally configured to be moved in space via lifting equipment while carrying one or more items. An apparatus of this disclosure is also operationally configured to direct one or more items onto one or more target surfaces without manual assistance for removing the one or more items off from the apparatus onto one or more target surfaces. Removal of one or more items off from the apparatus may be performed in a controlled and/or programmed manner. The present disclosure includes maintaining one or more items on or more target surfaces once the one or more items are removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle including a frame forming a payload area, telescoping arms movably mounted to the frame, each telescoping arm being configured for extension and retraction relative to the frame along an extension axis to effect transfer of at least one pickface to and from the payload area, and traversal, relative to the frame, in at least one direction that is angled to the extension axis, and at least one tab extending from each telescoping arm where the at least one tab extends in a direction transverse to the direction of extension and retraction, and the at least one tab on one of the telescoping arms opposes the at least one tab on another of the telescoping arms.

Abstract: An improved outer reciprocating floor slat for use in a truck trailer or the like. The outer floor slat is located adjacent to a trailer's side wall. The floor slat has a portion that extends laterally upwardly and outwardly until it reaches the trailer's side wall at an elevation above the normal load-carrying floor elevation of the reciprocating floor slats. The upwardly extending portion facilitates material movement away from the corner region where the reciprocating floor normally intersects the trailer's side walls.

Abstract: A method for preparing material comprising the steps of providing a transport vehicle including a horizontal ejector and a basin that defines an opening, wherein the horizontal ejector is coupled to the material within the basin; loading a first material into the basin proximate the horizontal ejector; loading a second material into the basin proximate the opening; actuating the horizontal ejector for movement from a retracted position toward a deployed position; and horizontally ejecting the second material through the opening and then subsequently horizontally ejecting the first material through the opening. A system is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a trailer and/or unloading device, a front and rear roller assembly and chock may be moved along the length of the trailer. The front and rear roller assemblies may each include two rollers that may be actuated between a first and second position. The chock may include a stop that may be actuated between a first and second position. The arrangement of front and rear rollers and chock allows the operator to unload a plurality of objects placed on the trailer deck, one object at a time, while remaining in the cab of a prime mover. The moving components of the trailer and/or unloading device may be powered hydraulically. The trailer and/or unloading device may include strategically placed cameras and a control panel for operating the various elements of the trailer and unloading device placed in the cab of the prime mover.

Abstract: A conveyer assembly for loading and unloading objects from vehicle, the assembly including a platform having at least one slot extending across at least a portion of the platform, at least one conveyor extending at least partially into the slot, wherein the conveyor linearly translates inside the slot and at least one support plate, wherein the support plate is releaseably associable with the conveyor via at least one connector member configured to engage the at least one conveyor in such a way that when the conveyor linearly translates the support plate translates therewith and when the conveyor stops the support plate is secured in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to the automatically transfer of a container between a flatcar (2) or the like and a transfer vehicle moving along said flatcar (2), whereby a method and a system is adapted to handle (3) both customized containers and ordinary standard containers, and it will automatically lock and unlock the freight (1) containers at the time of pulling a container between secured positions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachably attachable moving headboard trailer ejector and floor cleaning apparatus for use with a self-unloading trailer having a front end, a rear end, side walls, and either a reciprocating slat conveyor floor or a conveyor belt floor. The invention comprises, in one embodiment, a base, a panel sweeper, one or more panel sweeper support members, a means for traversing the panel sweeper, a tether bar, side flanges, and a base flange. In use, the invention is placed in the front end of a self-unloading trailer and the trailer is loaded with material; when material is ejected from the trailer, the invention transverses or “travels” along the top of the moving floor and pushes the material out of the trailer's back end. The rubber flanges ensure a snug fit within the trailer and keep post ejection residual material at a minimum.

Abstract: An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot including a drive section assembly having at least one motor and a pair of drive wheels coupled to the motor, a frame configured to support a payload, a transfer arm connected to the frame and configured for the autonomous transfer of payload to and from the frame, and a suspension system movably connecting the drive section assembly and the frame allowing relative movement between the frame and the drive section assembly.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle is provided. The autonomous transport vehicle includes a payload bed and a transfer arm configured to extend along a first axis to transfer a pickface to and from the payload bed, the transfer arm including fingers that are independently movable along a second axis, substantially perpendicular to the first axis for picking and placing the pickface.

Abstract: An elongated container of a truck has a closed front end wall and a hinged rear outlet closure, and a side infeed opening for receiving garbage. This empty container is configured to receive an elongated base upon which is mounted a reciprocating conveyor floor for moving garbage in the container outward through the opened rear closure for deposit at a garbage disposal site. The power drive mechanism for driving the reciprocating floor is located at the front end of the container and is shielded from input garbage by a deflector secured to the reciprocating floor. The deflector also serves as a pusher for compacting and moving garbage in the container out through the opened rear closure. The self-contained reciprocating floor is easily carried manually and fed through the opened rear closure and secured firmly in the truck container.

Abstract: An improved outer reciprocating floor slat for use in a truck trailer or the like. The outer floor slat is located adjacent to a trailer's side wall. The floor slat has a portion that extends laterally upwardly and outwardly until it reaches the trailer's side wall at an elevation above the normal load-carrying floor elevation of the reciprocating floor slats. The upwardly extending portion facilitates material movement away from the corner region where the reciprocating floor normally intersects the trailer's side walls.

Abstract: The sweep tarpaulin has an upper sheath, a bottom sheath and an intermediate sheath. An upper tube is housed in the upper sheath. A lower tube is housed in the bottom sheath. An intermediate tube is housed in the intermediate sheath. The sides of the tarpaulin engage the container side walls. Left and right resilient members hold the upper tube in a loading position. The bottom sheath and the lower tube are supported on a reciprocating floor slat conveyor. Cargo and the lower tube move toward the rear during unloading. The left and right resilient members are deformed to release the upper tube. A winch returns the upper tube to the cargo receiving position. The left and right resilient members are deformed when the upper tube returns.

Abstract: A dump bed scraping apparatus is disclosed. A scraper portion includes a frame on a floor of an inclinable dump bed that extends the width of the dump bed, and which supports a plurality of scraper blades movably disposed in forward and rearward directions along a floor of the dump bed so as to scrape substantially the entire floor of the dump bed clear of clumped material when the dump bed is inclined. Movement of the frame is facilitated by extensible links attached between a stationary frame supporting the dump bed and members of the scraper frame, which serve to move the scraper frame and scraper blades when the dump bed is inclined and lowered. A pivoting connector attaches one end of the extensible links to the scraper frame through a slot in the dump bed.

Abstract: The pull and lift system for transporting roofing materials includes a pull bar upon a flat bed of a truck, two rams connecting to the pull bar, controls for the rams, two pairs of mutually spaced apart legs, a table connecting between the pairs of legs, at least one ram connecting to the table, and controls for this ram. The first controls engage the pull bar against a pallet then draw it towards the table. The pull bar has an L shaped cross section with the lower portion sliding upon the flat bed and the upper portion engaging a pallet. The table has a first position coplanar with the flat bed and a second position above the flat bed and proximate a conveyor. The table elevates, while loaded with cargo, and remains level during its transition from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An extension plate assembly for dumping debris into a dump box from a storage tank mounted on a trunk. The storage tank is fitted with a pusher plate that both compacts and pushes debris out of the back of the storage tank. The extension plate apparatus includes extension arms that are rotatably attached on one end to the pusher plate and rotatably attached on the other end to an extension plate. When the pusher plate is in its rearward most position, the extension arms extend beyond the edge of the storage tank. The extension plate assembly allows debris to be pushed out of the storage tank and distributed more evenly into a dump box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachably attachable moving headboard trailer ejector and floor cleaning apparatus for use with a self-unloading trailer having a front end, a rear end, side walls, and either a reciprocating slat conveyor floor or a conveyor belt floor. The invention comprises, in one embodiment, a base, a panel sweeper, one or more panel sweeper support members, a means for traversing the panel sweeper, a tether bar, side flanges, and a base flange. In use, the invention is placed in the front end of a self-unloading trailer and the trailer is loaded with material; when material is ejected from the trailer, the invention “rides” along the moving floor and pushes the material out of the trailer's back end. The rubber flanges ensure a snug fit within the trailer and keep post ejection residual material at a minimum.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to construction waste removal and provide a method, system and apparatus for construction waste removal. In one embodiment of the invention, a construction waste removal system can be provided. The system can include an assembled waste chute, the assembled waste chute comprising a set of waste chute sections that are joined together in an end-to-end matter and a collapsible waste container configured to receive waste from a downstream end of the assembled waste chute. The system further can include a waste transport vehicle including a main frame disposed along the longitudinal axis of the waste transport vehicle, a grasping mechanism configurable for removing waste from the collapsible waste container and disposed adjacent to an operator cab, and a waste-receiving vehicle bed coupled to the main frame.

Abstract: An improved front loading or side loading refuse collection body includes an ejector panel which is moveable from a position immediately adjacent the front end wall of the storage compartment of the refuse collection body to a second position at the open rear end of the storage compartment. A compaction blade in a compaction chamber adjacent the front end of the storage compartment is independently driven by a second hydraulic ram. The ejector panel has an opening which is in registry with the opening in the front wall of the storage compartment through which refuse is pushed by the compaction blade. A tray member may be fixed to a side of the ejector panel to catch refuse which falls back through the opening in the ejector panel when it is moved away from the front end of the storage compartment. A multiple compartment body may include two compaction chambers each adjacent one of two storage compartments.

Abstract: A rear eject body for a truck is provided. The body includes a floor and a pair of opposing sidewalls. A tailgate extends between the opposing sidewalls at a rear end of the rear eject body. The tailgate is pivotally supported for movement between an open position and a closed position. An ejector is supported in the rear eject body for movement between a retracted position at a forward end of the body and an extended position at the rear end of the body. A tailgate actuation assembly moves the tailgate between the open and closed positions in response to movement of the ejector between the retracted and extended positions. An ejector guide assembly includes sleds that slide in guide tracks to thereby guide the ejector as the ejector moves between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: An article transfer method using a self-propelled carriage capable of supporting an article and travelling along a fixed path is provided in which an article supporting body forming a final operating section is turned without performing lateral movement and with making little protrusion toward the article handling section, by combining longitudinal movement of a movable body with respect to a vehicle body and turning movement of a turnable body with respect to the movable body. As a result, means for performing lateral movement of the article supporting body can be omitted, and hence the overall device can be constituted in a simple and inexpensive manner.

Abstract: A freight load carrier for transporting freight load pallets is provided. The freight load carrier has a rectangular carrier base with a longitudinal axis having a top face, bottom face, first and second ends and first and second side rails wherein the top face is configured to receive a freight load pallet thereon. The carrier also includes at least one tailgate hingedly mounted to at least one end of the carrier wherein the tailgate is movable between a freight load pallet blocking position and a freight load carrier releasing position. A method of distributing freight load pallets is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses either an apparatus that is adapted for selective mounting to and demounting from a pallet jack for use therewith or a transport vehicle having an apparatus permanently mounted thereto, which can effectively and efficiently transport articles or stacks of objects, such as boxes, furniture, trays, or the like from one location to another. The apparatus comprises a housing and an article engaging and lifting member, which includes a base and a back support member for supporting the article or stacks of objects. The article engaging and lifting member is pivotally mounted to the housing, preferably adjacent the bottom of the back support member. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a first clamp member for maintaining the article adjacent the back support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to material and waste transportation, in particular including an improved routine for delivery of newsprint and the removal of waste paper. There is described a material delivery and waste collection system for a premises. The system comprises (i) providing at least two, wheeled, enclosed elongate material-carrying containers each having a floor, a rear and two side walls, a roof having a coverable aperture therein and a front access door and having transport means to cause longitudinal transport of material placed within the container; (ii) providing the premises with a delivery bay for transfer of materials from a first such container into the premises; and (iii) providing the premises with at least one waste collection bay wherein the waste collection bay includes an output for expulsion of waste material into a second such container through the aperture in the roof thereof. Preferably, each wheeled container is in the form of a trailer of an articulated lorry.

Abstract: A system for cleaning the floor of a self-unloading trailer of residual particulate material comprises in combination with moving slats of a typical self-unloading trailer three rails each fashioned to be attached to the top of a slat, and a wedge-shaped sweeper having skates on a lower portion to ride along said rails. The sweeper rides along the rails by means of skate assemblies having pawls which may ratcheting along teeth formed in the rails as the sweeper moves rearwardly in the trailer. A control system sends signals to a motor contained within the sweeper to engage and disengage the pawls, and to a winch to draw the sweeper back to a starting position following operation.

Abstract: A lift truck for use with containers of the type used as a shipping bin and display bin, the lift truck having a lower frame mounted on wheels, an upper frame, a plurality of linking arms extending between the lower frame and upper frame with each of the linking arms being pivotably connected to both the upper and lower frames, each of the upper and lower frames having first and second longitudinally extending frame members, a handle pivotably connected to the lower frame member, the arrangement being such that in a first lower position the linking arms permit the upper frame to be adjacent the lower frame to move into position to receive the container or bin, while a movement of the handle causes the upper frame to move upwardly and be spaced from the lower frame by the linking arms such that the container is lifted upwardly.

Abstract: An improved hay distributor is provided that distributes large rectangular hay bales or flakes of hay, operating on a conveyor principle wherein the bales are slowly advanced from the bed of the vehicle to its edge as the vehicle is driven, whereupon by mechanical action the bale is cleaved to flake. A stabilizer rod maintains the bale in compact form prior to flaking, and a base plate is provided, forming a point of retrofit attachment of the main frame of the distributor to the vehicle bed. The base plate provides a mounting support for converting between side distribution of hay from the bed of the vehicle. Next, an operating main frame includes a) rails, having an initial end and a terminal end, along which a hay bale is advanced, and b) incline-adjustable ramps disposed in the path of the rails at their terminal ends, over which the bale advances on its approach to the edge of the bed of the vehicle, which ramps cause natural cleavage of the bale into individual flakes by creating a line of stress.

Abstract: The Dual Pull Open Bottom Portable Pickup Truck Trailer Unloader System is an unloader device that facilitates the easy removal of material from trucks and trailers by the means of hand power or electric or hydraulic motor drive. The open bottom permits the material to slide along the bottom of the truck to either fall directly on the ground when operated or to be slid to the back of the vehicle to be unloaded by hand or by equipment. The dual pull chain, cable, rope or strap system creates an even pull on the unloader box to prevent binding from unevenly distributed loads in the vehicle's cargo space and inside the U-shaped unloader box. This adaptable system with an open bottom, back board and side boards is a sliding mechanism that can be custom-made to fit specific design requirements. The size of back board and size and height of side boards are determined by the specific requirements of each unloading application.

Abstract: A material eject system includes an ejector mounted to a bed of a vehicle which is movable between a rear end and a forward end of the bed for ejecting material from the bed. The ejector is powered by a cylinder having different fluid volumes depending on the direction of motion of the cylinder. A control circuit operates with the ejector motor to automatically move the ejector through eject and return cycles. The control circuit further provides a short repetitive retract and eject cycle at the end of the eject cycle to break loose any material that may be sticking the ejector.

Abstract: A hay distributor is provided that distributes large rectangular hay bales or flakes of hay, operating on a conveyor principle wherein the bales are slowly advanced from the bed of the vehicle to its edge as the vehicle is driven, whereupon by mechanical action the bale is cleaved to flake. A base plate is provided, forming a pivoting point of retrofit attachment of the main frame of the invention to the vehicle bed. The base plate, provides a mounting means for conversion of invention between side or rear-end distribution of hay from the bed of the vehicle. Next, an operating main frame comprises a) rails, having a initial end and a terminal end, along which a hay bale is advanced, and b) incline-adjustable ramps disposed in the path of the rails at their terminal ends, over which the bale advances on its approach to the edge of the bed of the vehicle, which ramps cause natural cleavage of the bale into individual flakes by creating a line of stress.

Abstract: A motorized unloading apparatus for unloading cargo from a container such as a trailer or the cargo container of a large truck. The apparatus of the invention includes two threaded rods which extend substantially the full length of the cargo container, a pusher plate extending across the width of the cargo container, the pusher plate being rotatably received on the threaded rods and driven along the length of the trailer as the threaded rods are rotated, and a motor to rotate the rods.

Abstract: A liner for the loading and unloading of objects for use with a rear-opening truck bed. In use, the liner lies flat and occupies virtually the entire surface area of the truck bed. The liner can be gripped and pulled towards the rear opening of the truck and folded downwardly to enable the user to pull the liner toward the rear opening to access objects which would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a combined refuse vehicle and refuse side loaded and recycling curbside collector vehicle. Recycled materials may be placed either in (i) a hopper which is elevated and tilted to discharge into the upper, open end of a recycling bin or (ii) to elevate roller cart vehicles into an upper loading position. In either event, the bins are side tilted and displaced transversely of the vehicle axis for roll-off clearance. Refuse is loaded at curbside level and forced into a packer body from the body up whereby previously charged refuse acts to compress subsequently charged refuse. A tag axle-drive axle system is disclosed which, by means of a proportioning valve, causes the legal loads on the tag axle-drive axle combination to be reached simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus, or trailer, for use in transporting large bales of hay in which the bales are loaded onto two rails from the rear of the trailer and slid forward. Upon unloading, the bales are pushed backward off the trailer as the trailer is pulled forward by a pushing mechanism which is mounted by way of wheels onto a track which runs down each side of the trailer. The pushing mechanism is extended until it is forced against the ground. Upward pressure is exerted upon the rails by a set of wheels which are located below the rails. These wheels roll along the lower side of the track as the pushing mechanism pushes the bales off the rear of the moving trailer. After unloading, the pushing mechanism is retracted from the ground and may be rolled forward on wheels that are located above the tracks.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing fiber bales in readiness for removing fiber tufts therefrom by a travelling bale opener having an operational range, includes a first arrangement for supporting thereon a plurality of consecutively positioned fiber bales forming a standby bale series having a leading end and a trailing end; and a second arrangement for supporting thereon a plurality of consecutively positioned fiber bales forming an operational bale series to be worked on by the bale opener. The trailing end of the standby bale series is at a greater distance from the second arrangement than the leading end. The second arrangement receives fiber bales from the first arrangement for replenishing the fiber bales of the operational bale series with fiber bales of the standby bale series.

Abstract: A cargo carrying vehicle including a body; one or more movable support surfaces mounted on the internal floor of the body for movement relative thereto; drive apparatus for moving each one of the one or more movable support surfaces back and forth between a first position and a second position spaced longitudinally from the first position; a movable bulkhead mounted in the interior of the body above the one or more movable support surfaces for movement relative to the internal floor; and drive apparatus for moving the movable bulkhead back and forth between a first position and a second position spaced longitudinally from the first position.

Abstract: A cart for transporting and moving die sets having an air powered/hydraulic fluid drive system to move the cart and die sets thereon. A hydraulic pump is driven by an air pressure powered motor and different hydraulic motors move the cart and move the die sets on the cart. A laterally movable die set transfer device is connected to one die set in one adjacent stamping press and to a second die set positioned on the cart to move the first die set from the one press and to move the second die set off the cart and into a second press.

Abstract: A truck bed insert having a powered unloading blade, the insert adapted to be carried on a truck bed, the insert comprising a floor, a tunnel member, upwardly extending sides joined to said floor sides, the front end comprising a blade upwardly extending from said floor and disposed between said upwardly extending sides. A worm screw drive shaft is mounted in said tunnel member. Power is provided for turning said worm drive.

Abstract: An unloading device having a frame transversely supportable on a pair of spaced side walls of a truck bed is longitudinally movable from the front to the rear of the truck bed. A plurality of wheels secured to the frame and engagable with the side walls facilitate movement of the device. An electric motor or hand crank is drivingly connected to a main shaft mounted on the frame for rotating the shaft in opposite directions, and an elongated sheet of material, such as reinforced nylon, having one end thereof secured to the shaft and the other end thereof secured to the rear of the truck bed is used for receiving an article for transportation. Rotation of the shaft in one direction winds the sheet of material on the shaft, moves the frame toward the rear of the truck bed and shifts the article on the sheet from the front of the truck bed to the rear and off of the truck bed. A rail is mounted on each of the side walls of the truck bed for guiding the wheels.

Abstract: Piston rods (60, 62) of three linear hydraulic motors (36, 38, 40) are connected at their outer ends (64, 68) to two spaced apart transverse frame members (10, 12). A cylinder housing (72) is driven back and forth along each pair of piston rods (60, 62). Three transverse drive beams (48, 50, 52) are provided. Each drive beam (48, 50, 52) is directly connected to an associated one of the cylinder housings (72). Three sets of floor slat members (1, 2, 3) are provided. Each set (1, 2, 3) is connected to an associated one of the transverse drive beams (48, 50, 52). The linear hydraulic motors (36, 38, 40) are operated for moving the floor slat members (1, 2, 3) in one direction, for advancing a load, and for retracting them in the opposite direction. Each cylinder housing (72) has four fluid chambers (82, 84, 86, 88). The first and third chambers (82, 86) are interconnected and the second and fourth chambers (84, 88) are interconnected.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a device comprising a package stock truck moved in the row direction of warper creels, a package feeding conveyor for feeding yarn supply packages to the position of the stock truck, a first package transfer mechanism for transferring the packages on the package feeding conveyor onto the stock truck, and a second package transfer mechanism for transferring the packages on the stock truck to each of pegs of the warper creels.

Abstract: A plurality of floor members (40, 58, 106) are supported on guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102). The guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102) are spaced apart such that the floor members (40, 58, 106) have spaces between their side portions. The guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102) have oppositely directed flanges (26, 78, 80, 112, 114) secured to their tops. Bearing members (30, 116) slip over these flanges and rest on top of the guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102). Bottom members (20, 64, 98) extend laterally between the guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102), to form channels in the regions between the floor members (40, 58, 106). In one embodiment, refrigerated air is directed through these channels. In a second embodiment, the channel is used to collect small particles of ice and ice water. In a third embodiment, garbage is allowed to enter into the channel space. The sidewalls (108, 110) of the floor members (106) engage this garbage and move it when the floor members (106) are moving and hold it when the floor members (106) are stationary.

Abstract: A motorized vehicular vacuum street sweeper (2) has a hopper (12) for receiving suctioned debris and includes unloading devices (36) provided by a flexible sheet-like wrapper (38) in the hopper forming a receptacle cavity (76). The wrapper is flexed by actuation devices (74) to shrink the cavity and expel debris through an exit door (40) in the hopper.

Abstract: A loading vehicle having a pick-up drum with resilient fingers for picking up straw material from the ground and a conveyor drum with conveyor arms, fitted in rows for carrying the material into the vehicle. The pick-up drum and the conveyor drum are disposed with respect to each other so that the conveying direction of the material is abruptly changed when the material is introduced into the path of motion of the conveyors. This produces a damming-up effect causing the material to be distributed over the entire conveyor front, which minimizes the tendency of squeezing between conveyors and the housing wall defining the conveyor duct at one side. The change in conveying direction also causes a certain compaction of the material, resulting in a better utilization of the available volume. The structure allows short spacing between the conveyor arms and closely spaced knives are positioned in the conveyor duct so that the blades of straw can be cut in small pieces which are suitable for ensilage.

Abstract: An anti-jam blade assembly is provided on a packer-ejector blade of a refuse vehicle. The packer-ejector blade comprises a superstructure to which there is attached a downwardly inclined face. The superstructure and downwardly inclined face are reciprocated within a refuse vehicle receptacle. The anti-jam blade assembly to which this invention pertains comprises box-like elements hingedly attached to the superstructure and the blade assembly. The box-like elements are spaced apart and hingedly attached by brackets or the like to the downwardly inclined face. Springs are used to maintain the box-like elements in upward orientation and in the same plane as the superstructure. Upon an article becoming positioned between the box-like elements and the roof of the vehicle receptacle, the box-like elements will pivot forwardly thus decreasing pressure on the article and preventing jamming of the blade assembly.

Abstract: A container body for highway trailers, ships or aircraft, for loading and transporting goods provides a conveyor belt on the floor of the body with a vertical partition that is movable with the conveyor as the goods are loaded into, or removed from the body. The belt can be moved forwardly or backwardly by a transmission shaft and a separate portable, self-contained power source which can remain at a loading dock, thereby making it unnecessary to use the container vehicle's transport power source. An electrical control mechanism can be suitably connected to the container body at a loading dock to control operation of the conveyor belt because the portable power source, which may be an internal combustion engine provided with an electrically controlled reversing gearbox, also includes a battery and suitable connections to the container body to energize the control mechanism.

Abstract: An improved refuse-extruder-and-compactor apparatus adapted for general use in the transporting and transferring of solid-waste materials in combination with a refuse-transport vehicle, the apparatus being positioned within the storage container of the vehicle so as to provide a more compact load as well as a means for effectively discharging a load therefrom. The apparatus comprises a vertically disposed blade which includes a linearly arranged guide system to keep the blade in a vertically balanced load situation. The blade is moved by a combination chain-sprocket-drive system coupled to the guide system, said guide system including a rack mechanism whereby the blade is reciprocally moved within the storage container for either compacting or discharging the load therein.

Abstract: Rear discharge refuse collecting vehicle has a refuse container packed, for example, by a hydraulic packer mechanism in a pivotally mounted tailgate. A refuse pushing member is mounted for sliding movement by an inclined hydraulic refuse pushing ram to push refuse out of the container under the raised tailgate. The refuse pushing ram acts between the refuse pushing member and a short upstanding hollow fabricated steel cantilever just behind the vehicle cab at the front of the container. The cantilever is mounted on a support frame under the refuse container, and extends into a recess defined by a rearwardly sloping lower portion of the refuse pushing member whereby the cantilever occupies no space which would have been available for refuse, and the refuse pushing member can be fully retracted to the front of the refuse container and the container itself is not stressed by the ram.

Abstract: A plurality of floor members (40, 58, 106) are supported on guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102). The guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102) are spaced apart such that the floor members (40, 58, 106) have spaces between their side portions. The guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102) have oppositely directed flanges (26, 78, 80, 112, 114) secured to their tops. Bearing members (30, 116) slip over these flanges and rest on top of the guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102). Bottom members (20, 64, 98) extend laterally between the guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102), to form channels in the regions between the floor members (40, 58, 106). In one embodiment, refrigerated air is directed through these channels. In a second embodiment, the channel is used to collect small particles of ice and ice water. In a third embodiment, garbage is allowed to enter into the channel space. The sidewalls (108, 110) of the floor members (106) engage this garbage and move it when the floor members (106) are moving and hold it when the floor members (106) are stationary.