Abstract: A trailer assembly has a frame, wheels attached to and bearing the frame and a hopper mounted on the frame. A front conveyor belt is mounted in a front part of the hopper and is operable to rearwardly convey contents of the hopper overlying the belt. A rear conveyor belt is mounted in a rear part of the hopper and is operable in a first mode to rearwardly convey contents of the hopper overlying the rear belt and is operable in a second mode to forwardly convey contents of the hopper overlying the second conveyor belt. Depending on the direction of conveyance of the rear conveyor belt, the two conveyor belts can be operated either to convey contents for dumping through a rear gate or to convey contents for dumping through a bottom gate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient transfer apparatus for assisting in the movement of a patient on a supporting surface.

Abstract: Reversing mechanism for an agricultural baler wherein the reversing mechanism includes a driving pulley mounted for rotation together with the conveying elements provided to be connected to the axis such that the axis and the conveying elements can be rotated along the working direction by a driving belt engaging the driving pulley. A tensioning pulley is provided for controlling the tension of the driving belt such that by engaging the driving belt, the driving belt engages the driving pulley such that the axis is rotationally driven by the driving belt, and by sufficiently releasing the driving belt, the driving belt no longer engages the driving pulley and the axis is no longer rotationally driven by the driving belt.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here is a moving headboard for use in connection with a reciprocating floor slat system. It is particularly well-suited for use in connection with load-hauling trailers that have built-in reciprocating floor slat conveyors for unloading the trailer. Trailers of this kind are used in lieu of hydraulic lifts and involve inching the load off the trailer. The moving headboard sweeps the trailer floor clean during the unloading process.

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: A motor vehicle having an assembly for loading sheet material includes a cargo area having a loading opening and a bulkhead located at an opposite end of the cargo area from the loading opening. Also included is a passenger compartment located at a forward region of the vehicle. Further included is at least one fixed end stop located proximate a rear area of the cargo area. Yet further included is at least one load assist strip, where a first end of the strip is mounted to the bulkhead, wherein the strip extends rearward to a second end of the strip that is mounted to the end stop.

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: 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: A conveyor system for a vehicle includes a belt auto-tensioning system that tensions the belt prior to belt movement but not necessarily during loading. Also included are a belt guidance system and a belt anti-slippage system. A fourth system aspect is a floating drive connection system with square or non-linear adaptor. Several benefits are obtained by using the conveyor system disclosed. Also provided are a method of using the conveyor system and a method of constructing a vehicle system combination conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving objects, particularly luggage, in an aircraft hold, said device including a moving wall (10) and at least one belt. One end of the belt (20) is connected to a roller (24) around which the belt (20) is wound. The other end of the belt (20) is attached to the moving wall (10). A lower section of the belt (20) extends from the moving wall (10) to a threshold element (22) and an upper section of the belt (20) extends from the threshold element (22) to the moving wall (10).

Abstract: A sheet member (30) is positioned on the slats (18) of a reciprocating slat conveyor in a container (10). A strap (32) leads from the forward end of the sheet member (30) to and through a guide eye (38) that is mounted at an elevated position (26) adjacent the front wall (16) of the container (10). The strap extends downwardly from the guide eye (38) to a winding reel (36) driven by a motor (34). A block (40) is connected to the strap (32) in a position so that when the front end of the sheet member (30) has been moved by the strap (32) into an elevated position adjacent the front wall (16), the block (40) on the strap (32) will move through the throat (124, 108) of the guide eye (38) to the opposite side of a latch spring (42) that defines one side of the throat (124, 108). When in this position, the block (40) contacts the latch spring (42) and is hard against a reverse movement of the strap (32) and block (40) through the guide eye (38).

Abstract: An apparatus and method to facilitate unloading material from the cargo area (e.g. bed) of a vehicle. The apparatus may include a flexible member placed to line the bottom of the cargo area before a load is placed therein. After moving the vehicle to a desired location, a friction-reducing member may be placed to extend across the rear edge of the cargo area (e.g. the rear edge of an open tailgate). One end of the flexible member may be wrapped around the friction-reducing member and placed just behind the rear wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle may then be moved in reverse. The wheels of the vehicle roll over the flexible material, fixing one end thereof to the ground. The friction reducing member acts like a pulley (whether rolling with, or simply sliding with respect to, the flexible member) at the edge of the moving tailgate, drawing the flexible member and associated load out of the cargo area of the vehicle.

Abstract: The cleanout cover system of this invention is operable with a container having a reciprocating slat-type conveyor for supporting and moving particulate material rearwardly at an unloading site. The container has laterally spaced side walls and a front connecting wall, the rear end being operable for unloading. The cleanout system includes a flexible cover sheet spanning the distance between the side walls and an elongated strap connected at one end to the center point of the front end of the cover and at its opposite end to a strap wind-up reel powered by a pneumatic motor. The reel and motor assembly is mounted on the container adjacent the upper end of the front wall of the container centrally between the side walls.

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: An adjustable system and an associated method for handling cargo in a cargo carrier are provided. The system includes a plurality of strips of low friction material for supporting the cargo during unloading or loading and during transit. Each strip has a relatively lower coefficient of friction than a floor of the cargo carrier and can be adjusted between an operative position and a non-operative position. In the operative position, the strips extend from the floor of the cargo carrier so that the cargo can be slid upon and supported by the strips. In the non-operative position, the strips are adjusted relative to the floor so that cargo in the carrier is at least partially supported by the floor.

Abstract: An adjustable system and an associated method for handling cargo in a cargo carrier are provided. The system includes a plurality of strips of low friction material for supporting the cargo during unloading or loading and during transit. Each strip has a relatively lower coefficient of friction than a floor of the cargo carrier and can be adjusted between an operative position and a non-operative position. In the operative position, the strips extend from the floor of the cargo carrier so that the cargo can be slid upon and supported by the strips. In the non-operative position, the strips are adjusted relative to the floor so that cargo in the carrier is at least partially supported by the floor.

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: The invention is a clean-out apparatus for use in a trailer of the type having a reciprocating floor conveyor system for conveying and unloading large quantities of granular material. The clean-out apparatus is designed to minimize the residual granular material that remains on the reciprocating floor of the truck after the floor is reciprocated to unload the granular material. The clean-out apparatus comprises a reel adapted for rotatable support from the trailer, adjacent the forward end wall thereof, and a flexible clean-out cover movable from a first retracted position where it is coiled around the reel to a second uncoiled extended position adjacent the rear door opening. Importantly, when the clean-out cover is in the first retracted position, it is disposed such that a portion thereof extends over the reciprocating floor, under a portion of the granular material adjacent the forward end wall of the trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying materials from a vehicle flat bed having a back end opposite sides spaced a distance apart and a tailgate (14) hinged to the bed for movement between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus includes a roller (100) having a length substantially equal to the length of the tailgate (14) and a flat flexible belt (50) having an underside adapted to slide along a sliding surface in the bed, wherein the belt (50) attaches to the roller (100). The length of the belt (50) is sufficient so that it can extend from the roller (100) into at least a portion of the flat bed. The belt (50) is adapted to be wound onto the roller (100). The roller (100) attaches to the tailgate (14) by a bracket (200, 202) and strap arrangement (280). The strap arrangement (280) includes a tourniquet buckle (294). A crank handle (156) is provided for rotating the roller (100).

Abstract: A cargo handling truck bed that includes a material handling device having a base and two longitudinally extending conveyors. Each of the conveyors includes a longitudinally extending belt having a first end and a second end. A first drum is rotatably secured to the base and secured to the first end of the belt. A second drum is rotatably secured to the base and secured to the second end of the belt. The first drum is longitudinally spaced apart from the second drum. A first drive arrangement for rotating the first drum and a second drive arrangement for rotating the second drum for winding the belts around the respective drums are provided. A control is provided for driving the respective first drums and second drums. A guide and guide track are provided to keep the belts in alignment. Polyethylene bearings are provided to engage with the drums and limit switches are provided for stopping winding of the belts around the drums.

Abstract: This invention relates to cargo containers; and more specifically, to cargo containers of the type from which bulk cargo is discharged by pulling a bottom or floor liner out from the container.

Abstract: A self-loading tobacco trailer is provided for loading and transporting burley tobacco stalks impaled on tobacco rods. The trailer comprises a wheeled undercarriage configured to be connected to a work vehicle; a generally upright side structure running lengthwise relative to the trailer; and a tobacco rod carrying assembly also running lengthwise relative to the trailer and supported by the side structure. The tobacco rod carrying assembly may comprise oppositely faced parallel carrying members at a height such that the tobacco stalks impaled on the tobacco rods hang freely within the side structure between the carrying members. Chains guided by the carrying members transversely position the tobacco rods with respect to the carrying members. A drive mechanism is operatively connected to the chains and is configured to move them in at least one lengthwise direction with respect to the carrying members.

Abstract: The method of unloading provides for unloading of a cargo container without having to tip the container up on its end to cause a gravity flow. The method provides for placing a liner on the floor of a cargo container with side walls, front wall, ceiling and back opening. Suspending a bulkhead at the rear opening of the container from an upper portion of the container so it does not depend upon the floor for support. Placing a cargo within the container on the liner. Removing a bottom portion of the bulkhead and attaching an end of the liner located at the back opening to an unloading apparatus which has been detachably connected to the rear of the container, and then pulling the liner out, and as the liner is pulled out, the cargo on the liner is unloaded from the container.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to cargo containers; and more specifically, to cargo containers of the type from which bulk cargo is discharged by pulling a bottom or floor liner out from the container.

Abstract: An unloading apparatus for use with a cargo container. The unloading apparatus having a supporting frame with a mandrel rotatably supported by the supporting frame and laterally extending across the frame. The unloading apparatus having devices to detachably connect it to the rear of the container. A liner disposed on the floor of the container with devices to connect the liner to the unloading apparatus when the unloading apparatus is connected to the back of the container. The liner in some uses has rolled or pleated sections which unfold or unroll as the liner is pulled out of the container and winds onto the mandrel. As the liner winds onto the mandrel, the cargo contained on top of the liner falls out the back and into a collection device such as a bin located at the rear of the container.

Abstract: Unloading Apparatus for Use with a Cargo Container. The cargo container defines an interior cargo space and has a floor, left and right side walls, a front wall between the left and right side walls at the end of the floor and an opening at another end of the floor opposite the front wall. A liner is placed over the floor and extends from at least the front wall to the back opening. The unloading apparatus attaches to the cargo container at the back opening and has a frame with twist locks on it to connect into openings in the back of the container. The frame also has an mandrel rotatably supported by it and laterally extending from the left side to the right side of the frame. The mandrel includes a device for attaching the edge of the liner adjacent the back opening of the container to the mandrel. A drive device is mounted on the frame which engages the mandrel and rotates it so that the liner winds onto the mandrel as it rotates.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying materials from a vehicle flat bed having a back end, opposite sides spaced a distance apart and a tailgate hinged to the bed for movement between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus includes a roller having a length substantially equal to the length of the tailgate and a flat flexible belt having an underside adapted to slide along a sliding surface in the bed, wherein the belt attaches to the roller. The length of the belt is sufficient so that it can extend from the roller into at least a portion of the flat bed. The belt is adapted to be wound onto the roller. The roller attaches to the tailgate by a bracket and strap arrangement. The strap arrangement includes a tourniquet buckle. A crank handle is provided for rotating the roller. In operation, the flexible belt is extended into the flat bed area and bulk material can be placed thereon and then moved toward the roller when the roller is rotated, thereby depositing the bulk material on the ground.

Abstract: An arrangement for loading of a cargo compartment (3), in particular that of an aircraft fuselage (1), with piece goods, is proposed, consisting of a conveying device (9) in the form of a number of high-tensile belts (10) located at intervals from one another and which are provided with a carpet-like conveying surface (18), for instance in nylon fabric, in that section of them which covers the cargo area of the cargo compartment (3) in the fully-loaded position. A rear cargo wall (23) fixed to the belts (10) provides the rear storage room limit for the goods transported. Loading and unloading can be performed by means of movement backwards and forwards of the belts (10). Since tensile loadings are concentrated exclusively in the belts (10), reversal can be performed in the vicinity of the loading aperture (5) of the cargo compartment (3) on a thin guide section located near the floor, which can be designed to accord with any contour of the floor (14) of the cargo compartment (3).

Abstract: A loading device for loading and unloading of a loading space comprising a framework having longitudinal profile strips and transverse coal-fibre foils between which a slide cloth is positioned. A partition limits the loading space and is connected to a transport cloth which extends forwards above the slide cloth to the front end of the loading space and over the front foil and backwards below the slide cloth and at the other end being connected to several pull bands which extend further backwards to the inner end of the loading space below the slide cloth and then forwards above the slide cloth and to the other side of the partition. Two nuts are attached to the partition and cooperate with two longitudinal drive screws. The screws are anchored in the longitudinal direction by sleeves in either end and the sleeves having axial needle bearings as well as radial roller bearings.

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: A device for loading and unloading goods in an aircraft is provided in the cargo space (1) of the aircraft. The device has at least one transport path (3; 3A, 3B) which is substantially parallel to the floor of the cargo space (1) and on which the goods is placed; a drive assembly (11, 13-19, 13', 17'; 40-47) by means of which the transport path (3; 3A, 3B) can be driven forwards and backwards; and a wall (10) which extends vertically transversely of the cargo space, serves as a stop for the load piled on the belt and is connected to the transport path and movable together with it from a position adjacent the opening of the cargo space through which the goods is loaded and unloaded, to a position at the far end (1A) of the cargo space, and vice versa.

Abstract: An arrangement for loading of a cargo compartment (3), in particular that of an aircraft fuselage (1), with piece goods, is proposed, consisting of a conveying device (9) in the form of a number of high-tensile belts (10) located at intervals from one another and which are provided with a carpet-like conveying surface (18), for instance in nylon fabric, in that section of them which covers the cargo area of the cargo compartment (3) in the fully-loaded position. A rear cargo wall (23) fixed to the belts (10) provides the rear stowage room limit for the goods transported. Loading and unloading can be performed by means of movement backwards and fowards of the belts (10). Since tensile loadings are concentrated exclusively in the belts (10), reversal can be performed in the vicinity of the loading aperture (5) of the cargo compartment (3) on a thin guide section located near the floor, which can be designed to accord with any contour of the floor (14) of the cargo compartment (3).

Abstract: A loading and unloading system for trucks and trailer has a conveyor belt extending along a bed of a truck or trailer between front and rear wind-up rolls. For loading the vehicle the conveyor belt is wound onto the front roll and for unloading the vehicle it is wound onto the back roll. In order to prevent the belt from being pulled off the respective rolls a control system is provided which has a follower engaging the outer surface of the belt wound on one of the rolls. When the roll attains a predetermined maximum or minimum diameter depending on the amount of belt wound thereon, the follower operates a hydraulic valve to terminate the drive for the belt. The control operates in one direction responsive to a maximum predetermined diameter and in the other direction responsive to a minimum predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A freight container and trailer combination for transporting the container over land is provided with a self-contained automatic system for unloading the container. A load-supporting belt extends along the floor of the container from a wind-up roll at the forward end of the container. The trailer has a drive drum suspended beneath the back end thereof, and the belt be attached to the drive drum through securing straps. When operated, the drive drum pulls on the belt to move a load out of the container. A drive mechanism is provided at the front end of the trailer for engaging the wind-up roll and rewinding the belt thereon when the container has been unloaded.

Abstract: A load carrying floor, more particularly of a load transporting vehicle, provided with a number of roller tracks disposed parallel to one another, on which a load may be displaced across the floor with low frictional resistance, displacement and holding devices being provided, comprising at least one additional track of rollers, over which a friction belt is trained, which is adapted to get into frictional contact with the lower side of a load and to be selectively driven in one direction or the other, so as to displace the load in one direction or the other and parallel to the roller tracks. The ends of the friction belt are each fastened for winding or unwinding respectively on a drum provided at the respective end of the floor.

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: Method and apparatus for truck loading using a conveyor to advance a load into a truck backed-up to a loading dock. A special sheet or belt is laid over the bed of the truck and anchored at the edge adjacent the rear end of the truck bed. The sheet has special frictional characteristics. The load is pushed into the truck over the special sheet, the load in the truck is held in position and the special sheet is freed of the anchors and is slipped out from between the load and the truck bed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for exchanging metal molds for a molding machine that employs such molds. The apparatus includes a mold carriage capable of mounting thereon at least two metal molds and a mold transfer and exchange unit capable of transporting the mold to be exchanged from the carriage to the molding machine and to give and receive the molds horizontally. The apparatus includes a guide rail and an extension of said guide rail which pivots in a horizontal plane to effect the exchange of said molds.

Abstract: A trailer structure, having a mechanical loading system, to transport bins especially as used for agricultural products. The rearward portion of the trailer is lowered for bin pick up and loading, without raising the forward portion of the trailer, by a bell-crank type wheel mounting system. The trailer provides a unitary side-beam type frame and is mechanically powered by hydraulic devices.

Abstract: A device which unloads materials from a vehicle cargo area such as the bed of a pickup truck. A pair of mounting brackets are bolted to opposite sides of the vehicle bed. Pivoted to the brackets are the front ends of rigid frame arms which carry a rotatable drum between their back ends. A flexible conveyor sheet is wound on the drum and can be unwound onto the vehicle bed to receive materials loaded therein. A motor driven or manually operated drive system rotates the drum to unload the cargo as the conveyor sheet is wound up on the drum. The pivotal mounting of the frame arms permits them to be raised with the tailgate of the vehicle to a storage position during transport of the load.

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 novel apparatus and method are provided for drying or otherwise processing fish. The apparatus includes a generally prone or slightly sloped frame having an upper perforated bed or flake and a lower pair of parallel tracks or rails. An upright framework is disposed at one end of the frame and is adapted to run along the tracks or rails from that one end to the opposite end. A roller mechanism including a round or polygonal roller is rotatably and preferably removably mounted in the upright framework. A mesh material is secured at one end to the roller mechanism and is extended along the flake and is secured to the opposite end of the frame. Means are provided for simultaneously moving the upright framework along the rails from the one end of the frame to the opposite end of the frame while winding the mesh material on the roller mechanism.