Abstract: An automated rack unloading apparatus for automatically unloading a container from a rack shelf is provided. Such an apparatus includes a frame and a carriage assembly operably engaged with the frame. The carriage assembly travels vertically to align with a rack shelf on which a container to be unloaded from the rack shelf is located. The carriage assembly has a first end and a second end. A spoon is pivotally connected to the first end of the carriage assembly at a pivot point. A retractable support mechanism supports the second end of the carriage assembly. The retractable support mechanism is operable to lower a leading edge of the spoon with reference to the pivot point to thereby downwardly incline the spoon for insertion under the container. An associated method is also provided.

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: In combination, a vehicle including a body having a floor and generally upright walls and a material ejection system for the vehicle including a generally flexible floor mounted adjacent to and generally covering the floor of the vehicle when in extended position. A flexible floor drive roller is rotatably mounted generally adjacent the rearward end of the vehicle and is connected to the flexible floor drive roller and a drive device such as an hydraulic cylinder is operatively connected to the flexible floor drive roller for rotating the flexible floor drive roller to wrap the flexible floor on the flexible floor drive roller. Finally, the operative connection between the drive means and the flexible floor drive roller includes at least one flexible member in tension which transfers torque to the flexible floor drive roller for rotating the flexible floor drive roller to wrap the flexible floor thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a levelling bar for coking ovens, for levelling the cones of discharged coal which form under the filling holes of the oven chamber during the filling process. The levelling bar consists of two cheeks, such as plates (1), which extend essentially over the entire length of the ranged at a distance from each other depending on the width of the oven chamber, and parallel to each other. They are also interconnected and are essentially vertical. The levelling bar also has transversal coal carriers (2) which are arranged in the intermediate space delimited by the cheeks (1) at a mutual distance, one behind the other and which only extend over part of the cross-sectional surface of the levelling bar formed between he cheeks (1). The height (3) of the coal carriers (2), which take up the entire interval between the cheeks, is less than the height (H) of the cheeks (1) and the cheek form a gas channel (6) above the coal carriers (2) which is essentially free of built-in components.

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: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cutting off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cutting off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cutting off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cutting off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cuffing off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

Abstract: In a trailer, a conveyor comprises a floor and two walls, each comprising a band and series of rollers. All the rollers of the walls are identical. The rollers of the floor are not. The first roller of the floor, at the discharge end, has a diameter larger than that of other rollers. The last roller, at the charge end, comprises cogs. The floor band is attached at both ends to a pad stream forming an endless conveyor with the floor band. The cogs fit into holes in the pads. The top floor band is of a rubber base and is dust tight; the bottom band is made of pads attached to each other by piano hinges. The cogs make the pad stream move alternatively from one end to the other, thereby causing the motion of the floor band towards the discharge end of the trailer and its return to the charge end. An angle iron joins the bands of the floor and of the walls to drag the band of the walls along with the top band of the floor. The discharge end roller, elevated, keeps the materials in the conveyor during transport.

Abstract: A slide extends from an upper level platform to a lower level. The slide includes a bed with a smooth top surface and side frames that project upwardly from the bed. The bed is a sheet having upraised lips along its side edges. The lips are received by first channels in the side frames. Crossbars extend transversely beneath the bed, with the ends of the crossbars being received by second channels in the side frames. A groove is formed in the top surface of the bed, which groove receives a line. The line is coupled to a motor and to a carrier located on the slide, wherein the carrier traverses up and down the slide. Objects can be raised and lowered between the two levels using the carrier. Alternatively, objects can be allowed to slide down the bed.

Abstract: A dump wagon for transporting potted plants from one location to another and for unloading the potted plants. The dump wagon includes a wagon bed that tilts between a horizontal transport position and a tilted or inclined unloading position. A pusher at one end of the wagon bed is movable towards the other end of the wagon bed to push potted plants off the wagon as the wagon is slowly moved forwardly. The pusher is chain driven and automatically disengages the chains when the pusher reaches the other end of the wagon bed and the unloading operation is complete. Side rails prevent the potted plants from falling off the sides of the wagon, the side rails being movable out of the way for the purpose of loading the dump wagon.

Abstract: A self-loading vehicle for moving cotton modules or bulk materials such as compost or cotton burrs. The vehicle utilizes a chain conveyor system on a tiltable bed. Long conveyor bars or lugs are attached horizontally to the chains to aid in gripping the material being moved. The chains lie in valleys in the bed, and are separated by ridges. The ridges and valleys help to channel loose bulk material toward the moving chains. Vanes or scrapers on the bottom of the horizontal bars assist in scraping small portions of loose bulk material out of the vehicle. A multi-position spreader on the rear of the bed may be moved down into a position to disperse bulk material, such as fertilizer or compost being spread onto an agricultural field. The spreader is moved up and out of the way for loading bulk material. The vehicle with spreader removed or positioned in its uppermost position is also utilized as a vehicle for transportation of cotton modules.

Abstract: The invention concerns an agricultural device able to be moved by a tractor and provided with a hydraulic apparatus for collecting and transporting manufactured bales with the aid of a baling press and for continuously feeding a banding machine with the bales collected, wherein it includes a trailer fitted with a loading device, at least one ramp for receiving the bales, and an arrangement for moving the bales on the ramp.

Abstract: A freight moving apparatus comprising: a conveyor for receiving a freight and conveying the freight between a first predetermined position in a carrier vehicle and a second predetermined position in a freight station; an electric motor for driving the conveyor; stops disposed in the carrier vehicle and the freight station for engagement with the freight when the freight arrives at the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position; and a torque limiter for detecting any change of torque of the electric motor, which may be caused in the electric motor when the freight comes into engagement with the stops at the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position, to deactivate the electric motor.

Abstract: A railroad car trash compactor includes an elongated box defining an elongated trash compartment therein. A compactor blade is movably mounted within the box and is movable from a fill position adjacent the forward end of the box to a discharge position adjacent the rear end of the box. Discharge doors are openable at the rear end of the box to permit the expelling of trash from the box by means of the trash compactor. Steam jets are provided within the compartment for cleaning the compartment.

Abstract: A device for loading and unloading a truck includes a plurality of endless, parallel conveyor cables extending along a load platform of the truck and movable relative thereto with respective upper support passes projecting above the platform, a cross member fixed to the cables for moving them simultaneously, and a drive unit with endless movable chains for moving the cross member along the platform. The drive unit is fitted to the rear end of the platform and includes an electric motor with two outputs and an automatic tensioning device for taking up the slack in the chains.

Abstract: A cargo carrying vehicle 10 including a body 12, a movable bulkhead 34 mounted in the interior 14 of the body 12 for movement relative to the body 12, and a plurality of inexpensible cables for stabilizing the movable bulkhead 34 against pivotal movement relative to the internal sidewalls 18, 24 of the body 12. A clamp that is movable relative to the movable bulkhead 34 grips and releases one or more of the inextensible cables, driving the movable bulkhead 34 along the inextensible cables in either direction. The clamp also restrains the movable bulkhead 34 against unwanted forward movement due to quick stops and prevents the load from retreating when the movable bulkhead 34 is used in connection with a reciprocating full or partial floor.

Abstract: A loading and unloading system for pallets for containers or vehicles uses moving wire cables for loading. The system will guide and locate palletized goods on the moving wire cables. Downwardly extending members, such as wheels, on the pallets will be raised out of contact with the floor of the container or vehicle during conveying of the pallets.

Abstract: An unloading mechanism for a truck or trailer has a conveyor belt which runs on the bed of the truck or trailer between forward and rearward wind-up rolls. A bulkhead is attached to the conveyor belt for pushing a load out the back of the back or trailer. Extending and retracting brace rods are provided on the bulkhead for automatic extension and retraction between relatively vertical positions when the bulkhead is located at a forward loading position in the truck or trailer and relatively inclined support positions when the bulkhead moves beyond the back opening of the truck or trailer. In the relatively inclined positions, the bracing rods resist tipping of the bulkhead about its connection with the conveyor belt thereby stablizing the load pushing forces when the load is moved beyond the back end of the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A self-unloading bale box has a conveyor mounted in the floor of the box along one side. The conveyor is covered by a series of covering plates that are raised to expose an increasingly larger length of the conveyor as the box is unloaded. The bales are passed to a curved delivery chute.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus comprises a mobile frame defining a longitudinal axis and a raised load compartment on the mobile frame substantially in alignment with said longitudinal axis, and having open front and rear ends. A material handling bucket is pivotally mounted to a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement in an axial direction. A drive is provided driving the carriage bidirectionally in the axial direction. A cam surface is defined substantially continuous with the open front end of the raised load receiving compartment and continuing to a location vertically therebelow. The bucket is arranged for simultaneously pivoting and riding along the cam surface and the load compartment in response to the movement of the carriage for alternatively loading material through the open front end of the load receiving compartment and clearing the load receiving compartment of material loaded thereupon through the open rear end thereof.

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: Apparatus for loading, unloading and stacking hay bales utilizing a load carrying vehicle with an elevatable and tiltable bed and a powdered headboard or pusher means mounted on the bed capable of traversing the length of the bed; and an independently powdered tine structure generally coextensive with but longer than the bed and extendable to protrude beyond the end of the bed an extent generally equal to the bed length and being supported cantilever fashion by the bed.

Abstract: A storage apparatus including a supporting frame, a bottom portion, sidewall portions, end portions and a roof portion, the bottom, sidewall, end and roof portions forming an enclosed chamber, one of the end portions being pivotally connected to at least one of the bottom, sidewall or roof portions, the roof portion including sections pivotally connected to other sections thereof, counter-balancing means operatively connected to the pivotally connected sections of the roof portion, a movable member vertically disposed within the chamber substantially parallel to the end portions and movable therebetween, means for moving the movable member including traversing means disposed adjacent substantially the full length of the junctures of the roof portion with the sidewall portions and disposed adjacent substantially the full length of the junctures of the sidewall portions with the bottom portion, and drive means operatively connected to the movable member through the traversing means.

Abstract: A pan retriever dolly transfers stacks to a stack conveyor. The dolly includes a retriever arm with a magnet and is mounted for reciprocating movement across the stack conveyor towards and away from the storage conveyor.

Abstract: A truck or trailer body is equipped with a self-loading/unloading apparatus including a power-driven, flexible belt and a movable bulkhead. The belt covers the floor of the body from front to rear and is drivable fore and aft so as to provide a movable cargo supporting bed while the bulkhead is also movable fore and aft by means of a lost motion coupling between the belt and bulkhead that includes a belt-carried drive bar which depending on the direction of belt travel alternately moves into contact with spaced apart catch surfaces provided on a support frame for the bulkhead. A parallel motion mechanism is carried on the bulkhead support frame for maintaining the bulkhead parallel to the drive bar and thus in alignment with the belt and bed so that the bulkhead does not tend to cock and thereby bind along the sidewalls.