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: 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: The light-weight live-floor module has a floor surface, parallel cables laid on the floor surface, a length of conveyor belt laid on the cables, a movable bulkhead and a winch system for moving the belt, the cables and the bulkhead back and forth in unison, such as a shuttle. The belt has just enough length to cover the return axis and the floor surface on which goods are transported, thereby reducing any unnecessary weight in the live floor structure. The cables and the belt are wrapped over different axes for eliminating relative movement between the cables and the belt. One axis is set higher than the floor surface for easily breaking static friction under the belt. In a method for breaking static friction between a conveyor belt and a floor surface, a first segment of the belt is jolted upwardly while tension is applied in the belt.

Abstract: There is disclosed a feeding device (10) for dispensing bales of material from a vehicle. The feeding device (10) includes a body (12) having a surface for receiving a plurality of said bales thereon. The surface has a first end (12a) and a second end (12b) and is configured such that the plurality of bales are arranged in at least one row extending at least partially between the first and second ends (12a, 12b). A pusher (18) is slidably mounted to the surface and moveable between a first position proximal the first end (12a) and a second position proximal the second end (12b). A driving mechanism is provided and is controllable to move the pusher (18) between the first and second positions. Such movement of the pusher (18) from the first position to the second position applies a pushing force to the bales arranged in at least one row such that the bales in that row are progressively dispensed from said second end (12b) of the surface.

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: 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: A floor constituted by a flexible belt (23), resting on the upper surface of a loadbearing base, has one end connected to a headboard (17) and the other end connected to a winch (28). A cable (33) has one end connected to the headboard and the other end connected to the winch. A guide system for the cable including a compensating mechanism (36, 56, 57) which varies the path of the cable during rotation of the winch, so as to compensate for a difference between the belt diameter and the cable diameter on the winch, the difference varying as the belt is wound and unwound.

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 carrying and loading/unloading apparatus including a slide plate adapted to reciprocally move on a bottom plate such as that of a truck bed, a partition plate provided on the slide plate and the partition plate side ends securable to right and left bed side plates of the truck so that only the slide plate is moved when the partition plate is secured to the bed side plates as the slide plate moves forward and so that the partition plate moves together with the slide plate when the partition plate is released from the bed side plates as the slide plates moves rearward.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle transports materials and equipment loaded onboard the vehicle to a desired location in an underground mine. A low profile frame is propelled by endless tracks which support a solid deck divided into a materials handling platform and an operator's station. The deck is open at the rearward end of the vehicle frame to facilitate loading and unloading of equipment and materials. A boom assembly is mounted at the front end of the frame adjacent to the operator's compartment. A free end of the boom assembly is connected to a suitable materials handling device. The materials handling device ranges from a hook mechanism for engaging and pulling heavy loads onto the deck to a bulldozer-type blade for pushing heavy equipment and loose materials off of the deck. The boom assembly includes a parallel spaced arrangement of piston cylinder assemblies.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines having an ejector blade pivotally coupled to a cylinder by cylinder-attached pivot pins, it has been a problem reducing the stress acting on the pivot pins caused by, for one example, improperly set yaw rollers. The present invention provides for an ejector arrangement for a work machine in which a coupler is pivotally coupled to the cylinder and pivotally coupled with the ejector blade.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting products such as baskets of fruits and vegetables on the back of a truck. The system has a plurality of tracks attached to opposite sides of the truck cargo area upon which ride shelves which have wheels to support the shelves on the tracks. A cable is attached to the shelves and is motor driven to deliver the shelves (and the products resting on the shelves) to either the front of the cargo area (for loading) or to the back of the cargo area (for unloading).

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 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 ejector includes a speed control for operating the motor and the ejector at different speeds.

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 hay roll transporter is adapted to pick up very large hay rolls in the field, carry them to another location, and off load them for storage or further transport. The transporter is in the general configuration of a truck, and may be driven on public roads and also as an agricultural vehicle in the field. The transporter is capable of carrying multiple large hay rolls, which rolls may each exceed one thousand pounds. The rolls are loaded in two rows side by side on the truck bed, with rolls being added alternatingly to each row for lateral balance of the truck. A front ramp with movable forks thereon is used to pick up each roll and load it on the front of the truck, whereupon the roll is transferred to a bed rack which carries and deposits the roll on the bed of the transporter truck.

Abstract: A truck trailer includes a push plate extensible and retractable relative to a front wall of the trailer structure employing hydraulic ram structure to project the plate along the trailer floor, that in turn includes a row of rollers operative through a drive chain to simultaneously rotate the rollers to direct workpieces from the rollers employing the push plate to direct workpieces along the roller structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a compactor for wastes, in particular for compressible trash, and includes a compaction plunger with a compaction blade in the lower part of a trash receiving chamber of a compactor housing. The plunger is horizontally displaceable and conveys the trash into a container adjoining the receiving chamber where the trash is compacted. The invention provides a scoop pivotally supported by the compaction plunger and comprising an acute-angle leading edge for slipping underneath the trash which is continuously accumulating in the receiving chamber. During the return stroke of the plunger, the scoop can be tipped upward about its pivot axis so that the trash behind the compaction plunger is moved in front of the compaction blade of the compaction plunger.

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 large round bale handling apparatus has a mobile frame with a pair of laterally-spaced longitudinal beams which can receive and support large round bales end-to-end in a row with their axes generally aligned and extending parallel to the beams. The apparatus also has a bale pickup mechanism, a bale pushing mechanism, and a bale unloading mechanism, each mounted to the mobile frame. The bale pickup mechanism is pivotally mounted adjacent the front and along one side of the mobile frame for movement between horizontal bale-engaging and upright bale-discharging positions.

Abstract: A cargo carrying vehicle including apparatus for unloading cargo from the vehicle by the general method of (1) shuttling a flat plate that covers a portion of the floor back and forth longitudinally and (2) preventing the cargo being unloaded from following the floor on its retract (forward) stroke by use of a movable bulkhead.

Abstract: A moving floor for a vehicle, trailer or container body especially for fitting on top of the floor of same, which moving floor provides maximum load entry height at the rear door frame/loading aperture of the body and improved load space utilization within the body behind the rear door frame while accommodating the drive motors therefor within the depth of the moving floor, to that end of the moving floor has the cargo receiving surface inclined relative to the body floor/roof giving decreasing depth to the moving floor in a direction towards the rear door frame/loading aperture. The moving floor comprises a pair of transversely spaced endless chains entrained around a drive pulley at the end remote from the loading aperture and around a smaller return pulley at the loading aperture end thereof. The chain carries therebetween transverse slats defining the movable cargo receiving surface.

Abstract: A cargo handling system has a main drive panel and fore and aft end panels for driving cargo in one direction or the other in the cargo compartment of a vehicle such as an aircraft. The main drive panel is driven in either direction on a plurality of toothed belts which are anchored to the system floor panels, the teeth of such belts engaging the teeth of trolley wheels which are rotatably driven by the motor. The main panel is thus driven in trolly-like fashion along the drive belts in loading cargo. Each end panel is attached to a separate endless chain drive. The chain drives are selectively attached to the main drive panel and one or the other of the end panels drawn along with the main drive panel in the unloading of cargo.

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 cargo handling system for use in combination with an airplane cargo compartment having a floor structure and a door opening moves cargo placed in the loading area inside the compartment at the door opening to the further recesses of the compartment and returns the cargo to the loading area for unloading. The system generally comprises fore and aft end panels, each attached to its own looped cable and movable from a position adjacent its respective end of the compartment to a position adjacent its respective side of the door opening; a movable main panel attached to a power cable; a drive means, such as a hydraulic cylinder, is attached to the power cable and drives the main panel in the door area between the door positions of the end panels; and indexing plungers which selectively couple the main panel with a cable of an end panel such that, when coupled, the end panel is driven simultaneously with and in the same direction as the main panel.

Abstract: Vehicle for transporting refuse or the like comprising a container (2) secured to the frame (1) of the vehicle and provided with a rear foldable wall, the container (2) being transversely separated with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle into two parts, the front part (3) being secure to the frame (1) of the vehicle and the rear part (4) being connected to the frame (1) of the vehicle so as to tilt upwardly about a transversal axis (5) situated at the end of the vehicle; in the container (2) there is arranged a pusher plate (15) covering the inner cross-section of the container, connected to a pushing drive (16) and displaceably arranged from the end of the container situated on the driver side longitudinally at least up to the guiding area of the container (2).

Abstract: A portable unloader for a truck bed includes a gate entrained on a pair of cables so that it can be pivoted to and from a first raised position in which it is inclined with respect to the truck bed as it moves toward the rear of the truck bed, and a second position in which it lies substantially parallel to the truck bed as it moves through the load along the truck bed. In one form of the invention, the cables pass through slots near the lower edge of the plate, and the gate is secured near its opposite edge by restraining chains attached to the cable to limit the angle at which the gate is inclined with respect to the truck bed. Such a gate can also include a pair of wedge-shaped runners for initially orienting the gate at a slight angle to the truck bed so that a portion of the load of granular material is forced under the gate to lift it to its raised position as movement toward the rear of the truck is initiated.

Abstract: An improved manure spreader and process for unloading and spreading utilizes a powered flexible reversible movable floor which moves with the load towards the thrower so that the load is uniformly conveyed without relative movement between the load and the flexible movable floor and with an automatic stop system to stop movement of the floor when an upright wall portion of the movable floor reaches the area of the thrower with the automatic system also stopping the upright portion of the movable floor at its maximum extension for the loading mode after it has been reversed.

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: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for laying sod comprising a wheeled frame which is propelled and steered by means of an engine which drives hydraulic motors connected to the drive wheels thereof. A sod platform is pivotally mounted adjacent its forward end to the wheeled frame and may be raised from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position by means of a hydraulic cylinder connected thereto. A fork-like support is provided at the forward end of the platform and is adapted to be inserted into a sod pallet when the platform is in the vertical position. As the platform is moved to the horizontal position, the sod members are positioned on the platform at the forward end thereof. A first conveyor is movably mounted on the platform to convey the sod members towards the rearward end of the platform. An upstanding support is secured to the conveyor for movement therewith for maintaining the sod members in a substantial upstanding position on the conveyor.