Abstract: An integrated ramp truck tailgate apparatus for convenient loading and offloading includes a tailgate body pivotably coupled to a bed of a pickup truck. The tailgate body has a body inner face with a ramp cavity. A first ramp panel has a first proximal edge pivotably coupled to the ramp cavity adjacent a body distal edge. The first ramp panel moves between a first folded position within the ramp cavity and a first extended position extending from the body distal edge towards the ground. A second ramp panel has a second proximal edge pivotably coupled to a first distal edge of the first ramp panel. The second ramp panel moves between a second folded position on top of the first ramp panel within the ramp cavity and a second extended position extending coplanar from the first ramp panel in the first extended position to the ground.

Abstract: An operating device for placing or retrieving bottle-like piece goods onto or from storage places of a picking device is provided. The operating device includes a gripping jaw assembly having two profile-rod shaped gripping jaws with opposite lying inner surfaces extending in a first horizontal direction corresponding to a direction for placing and retrieving piece goods. The gripping jaws are configured so that the distance of the inner surfaces from each other tapers in the downward direction at least in sections and the bottle-like piece goods can be lifted from below. The operating device also includes an actuation unit coupled to the gripping jaw assembly for moving the gripping jaw assembly in the first horizontal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for delivering proppant to a well site has a trailer with a bed thereon and at least one track of rollers extending in parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. The track of rollers extend substantially for an entire length of the bed of the trailer. At least one proppant container is translatably positioned on the track of rollers. The proppant container is movable along the array of rollers from one end of the bed to an opposite end of the bed. A bin can be removably positioned below the bed of the trailer in a position rearward of the front end of the trailer and forward of a rear end of the trailer so as to allow the proppant container to discharge into the bin. A conveyor is cooperative with the bin so as to move proppant from the bin to a location at the well site.

Abstract: Systems, methods, non-transitory processor-readable storage media, and devices of the various embodiments enable a vehicle vending machine to retrieve a vehicle from a storage location and deliver the vehicle to a delivery bay for delivery to a customer. Various embodiments may include a vehicle vending machine including a tower, a robotic carrier, a corridor extending from the tower, a plurality of delivery bays positioned along the corridor, a customer interaction kiosk, and a video system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, non-transitory processor-readable storage media, and devices of the various embodiments enable a vehicle vending machine to retrieve a vehicle from a storage location and deliver the vehicle to a delivery bay for delivery to a customer. Various embodiments may include a vehicle vending machine including a tower, a robotic carrier, a corridor extending from the tower, a plurality of delivery bays positioned along the corridor, a customer interaction kiosk, and/or a video system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, non-transitory processor-readable storage media, and devices of the various embodiments enable a vehicle vending machine to retrieve a vehicle from a storage location and deliver the vehicle to a delivery bay for delivery to a customer. Various embodiments may include a vehicle vending machine including a tower, a robotic carrier, a corridor extending from the tower, a plurality of delivery bays positioned along the corridor, a customer interaction kiosk, and a video system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigeration trailer air distribution chute. The chute includes a first air director attachable to a ceiling of a refrigeration trailer spanning a refrigeration unit and a side wall of the trailer, and a second air director attachable to and extending along the ceiling proximate the side wall to the rear of the trailer. The first air director is attachable to the ceiling along two lines of attachment, causing the first air director to have a cross section of a first shape regardless of whether the chute is in an unexpanded or an expanded state. The second air director is attachable to the ceiling along one line of attachment, causing the second air director to have a cross section of a second shape when the chute is in the unexpanded state and a third shape when the chute is in the expanded state.

Abstract: A portable loading and transporting apparatus includes a containment pen having a floor, a pair of side panels extending upwardly therefrom, and a front panel extending between the side panels. Centering plates are mounted to the opposed side panels, respective centering plates being pivotally coupled to ends of loading arms such that the containment pen is operatively moved between a loaded configuration atop the bed of a truck and an unloaded configuration on the ground rearwardly proximate the bed of the truck when the loading arms are actuated. A stabilizer bar includes a first end selectively coupled to a first position on the containment pen and a second end selectively coupled to a first position on the bed of the truck, the stabilizer bar configured to maintain the containment pen in a level configuration when the containment pen is moved between the loaded and the unloaded configurations.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigeration trailer air distribution chute. The chute includes a first air director attachable to a ceiling of a refrigeration trailer spanning a refrigeration unit and a side wall of the trailer, and a second air director attachable to and extending along the ceiling proximate the side wall to the rear of the trailer. The first air director is attachable to the ceiling along two lines of attachment, causing the first air director to have a cross section of a first shape regardless of whether the chute is in an unexpanded or an expanded state. The second air director is attachable to the ceiling along one line of attachment, causing the second air director to have a cross section of a second shape when the chute is in the unexpanded state and a third shape when the chute is in the expanded state.

Abstract: The present device provides a device for transporting a load along a level or canted surface such as a rooftop. The device comprises a frame having a bed, and a plurality of movement facilitating components. The transported load rests atop a bed comprised of a plurality of freely-rotatable cylindrical tubes, along which the load may be manually moved rectilinearally in the course of loading the equipment onto or offloading the equipment from the present device. Each movement facilitating component is comprised of a chassis having a plurality of belted wheels. The chassis is articulatably connectable to height adjusting components. The assembled device has height adjusting components connected to the frame. When the present device moves along a surface, the belted wheels may orient to align with the surface contours and with the direction of movement of the present device.

Abstract: A system for moving loads including a cargo compartment floor into which there is integrated at least one roller conveyor permitting displacement of a load in a direction parallel to a surface of said cargo compartment floor. The system also comprises a transport vehicle comprising a drive system and a platform movable between a first operating position and a second operating position. In its first operating position, the platform is arranged such that the transport vehicle is positionable under a load which is supported on the roller conveyor integrated into the cargo compartment floor. In its second operating position, the platform is arranged such that the load is entrained when a movement of the transport vehicle occurs in a direction parallel to the surface of the cargo compartment floor, and is displaced on the roller conveyor integrated into said cargo compartment floor.

Abstract: A loading device and method hydraulically support or move rollers, in order to deal with loading unloading bulky or heavy objects, such as a boat from a trailer.

Abstract: A pair of bunk board guide-on post assemblies 30, 31 are mounted on opposite sides of the frame 20 of a boat trailer 4 just at the aft ends of the bunk boards 25, 26 of the trailer. The guide-on post assemblies each include a rectilinear upwardly extending support bar 38 that defines a longitudinal slot 50, and a buoyant guide-on post 44 is telescopically mounted downwardly about the support bar 38 and defines a laterally extending connector opening 52 that registers with the longitudinal slot. A connector pin 54 extends through the laterally extending connector opening of the guide-on post and through the longitudinal slot of the upwardly extending support bar so that the buoyancy of the guide-on posts telescopes upwardly in response to partial immersion of the bunk boards of the boat trailer, providing a visual indication of the location of the submerged ends of the bunk boards.

Abstract: A battery transfer apparatus for loading/unloading batteries from materials handling vehicles includes a mobile unit and a battery stand. The mobile unit is used to transport batteries into/out of materials handling vehicles and includes load handling structure comprising at least one roller, which is used to roll batteries into/out of materials handling vehicles. A top wall of the battery stand includes at least one opening and support structure of the battery stand engages a surface so as to support the battery stand thereon. The battery stand is engaged by the mobile unit during battery transfer operations by inserting the roller(s) up through the opening(s) in the top wall of the battery stand such that the roller(s) can engage the battery through the opening(s). The battery stand is capable of storing the battery while the battery is out of the materials handling vehicle.

Abstract: A device for guiding a boat onto a trailer, the trailer having at least two longitudinal side rails, the device including a mounting assembly for attachment to a side rail to provide for transverse adjustment relative to the side rail's longitudinal axis and a bumper assembly attached to the mounting assembly and having at least one bumper mechanism that moves between an engaged position in which the device guides the boat into an aligned position on the trailer and a disengaged position in which the bumper mechanism is moved away from the boat to avoid contact with the boat.

Abstract: A boat and boat trailer loading system used to place a boat trailer with the boat mounted thereon, onto a rack centered above a towing vehicle such as a pickup. The system comprises a winch, a head frame, a tail frame, and a ramp system comprising an upper ramp system and a lower ramp system. The winch cable and hook is routed through the head frame and hooked to a mid-point on the boat trailer frame, then pulled up the ramp system until the wheels of the boat trailer are positioned onto a left and a right wheel cradle atop the tail frame and the boat trailer tongue will rest on a pad atop the head-frame. The vehicle's trailer hitch is then left unobstructed for towing a second trailer.

Abstract: A bin carrier system that includes a tractor having a maximum width that permits the tractor to navigate between narrow rows of fruit trees and other produce crops such as, for example, dwarf varieties of apple trees. The tractor includes a storage compartment into which multiple produce bins can be collected for transport out of an orchard or field. The tractor can also include an elevated platform on which one or more individuals can stand while the tractor is stationary or mobile. The system can also feature a sensor to detect proximity or contact with a plant. The system can also feature an automatic steering system to guide the tractor between rows of plants.

Abstract: The main object of the current invention is to provide an apparatus, that can be installed on a flat bed truck, pre-market or post-market, which allows barrels, to efficiently and safely, placed or removed from a road or other work site.

Abstract: A delivery rack system for transporting a dolly. The delivery rack system includes a frame disposed on a plurality of wheels. The frame includes a side rail and first and second transverse rails disposed proximate the side rail. The side rail, the first transverse rail, and second transverse rail cooperate to define a compartment adapted to receive the dolly.

Abstract: The device includes a chassis (1) with an engine (2) associated with two side transport caterpillar tracks (3), with a vessel-housing cradle (4) in the upper part of the chassis (1), with this cradle (4) presenting a pulley (61) at its front end, on which a traction cable (62) is guided that is associated with a winch (6) and, at its rear end there is at least one telescopic element (41), defined by two longitudinal parallel rear extension stringers. The engine (2) is associated with one end of a vertical shaft (22) by a belt (21), while the other end is associated with two belts (23, 24) that provide power to the winch (6) and to a mechanical reducer (5) associated with the caterpillar track drive crown.

Abstract: A device for guiding a boat onto a trailer, the trailer having at least two longitudinal side rails, the device including a mounting assembly for attachment to a side rail to provide for transverse adjustment relative to the side rail's longitudinal axis and a bumper assembly attached to the mounting assembly and having at least one bumper mechanism that moves between an engaged position in which the device guides the boat into an aligned position on the trailer and a disengaged position in which the bumper mechanism is moved away from the boat to avoid contact with the boat.

Abstract: Freight loading system in an aeroplane or another transportation vehicle, with floor-conveying elements (6) which are capable of rotating items of freight about an axis perpendicular to the loading surface (12), with floor-conveying elements (6, L1, L2, L3, xL1, xL2, xL3, T1, T2) which are arranged in the loading surface and have fixedly oriented, bi-directional conveying capability, and a control device which, in order to rotate the items of freight, activates floor-conveying elements which are arranged essentially on a curved track.

Abstract: A system and a method for loading, transporting and unloading large, heavy field equipment to and from nontraditional operational location. The invention discloses a specially designed tilt flatbed trailer, a winch and cabling mounted near the front of the trailer bed, and heavy duty steel rollers imbedded into the flatbed surface. Initially, the trailer is positioned in an upwardly titled angle such that the rear edge of the trailer bed is near ground level next to the lead edge of the equipment. The winch cabling is attached to the equipment and pulls it over the rear edge of the trailer via a larger receiving roller. The equipment is pulled upward and onto the trailer bed until the rear edge of the equipment base clears the ground. The tilt bed is then lowered to a horizontal position. During loading, the equipment moves smoothly onto the trailer surface via the embedded rollers. To unload, the process is reversed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulation device for loading and unloading a shelf, in particular for a processing center, having at least one lift truck including a telescopic extension, the telescopic extension having at least one first telescoping part and at least one second telescoping part, and the first telescoping part being connected to the lift truck and the second telescoping part being connected to the first telescoping part so it is displaceable in an essentially horizontal displacement direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to versatile cargo trailer decks, and to methods for moving cargo onto such cargo trailer decks. In embodiment, a cargo trailer deck may have first and second moving apparatus attached to a deck member. The first moving apparatus may be adapted to move cargo between the back end of the deck member and the front end of the deck member, while the second moving apparatus may be adapted to rotate cargo from one orientation on the deck member to a second orientation on the deck member. The deck member may be adapted to move in backward, forward, left, right, vertical, and tilt directions, in order to align the deck member for loading and/or unloading cargo.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unloading long ribbon rails which are carried on a transport car on bunks which hold the rails in four or five different tiers each containing eight to ten rails. A special railcar is equipped with a gantry crane which feeds the rails from the bunks into power driven thread boxes. The thread boxes grip the rails and feed them rearwardly onto the railway bed. After the first two rails have been unloaded side by side, the next pair are fed into the thread boxes. The thread boxes feed these rails out of the bunks as the train is moved forwardly at the same speed as the rails are fed rearwardly so that the rails are unloaded end to end with the first pair of rails. The railcar has retractable over the road wheels that allow it to be towed on the roadway to the site of the rail transport car.

Abstract: A roller unit that can be used to retrofit a cargo carrying surface makes loading and unloading of the cargo carrying surface easier by transforming the cargo carrying surface to include a conveyor system. The roller unit includes at least two trays in which are mounted rollers, the trays being connected by a crosspiece. The roller unit is designed to be installed on cargo carrying surfaces such as portable platforms, including Flatracks or CROPs, and in cargo containers of any type.

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: An automated guided vehicle has plural conveyors for transferring materials to be transferred mounted on a self-propelling dolly and juxtaposed in a transverse direction. Each of the conveyors includes plural part conveyors whose operation can be controlled individually and arranged in tandem in a transferred direction. One or three or more part conveyors may be disposed or arranged in tandem in the direction of the vehicular width. One or three or more part conveyors may be disposed or juxtaposed in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A method of loading a ULD into a cargo compartment of an aircraft through a loading door opening of the cargo compartment, which method requires turning of the ULD and comprises the steps of:

Abstract: A cargo loader platform having an array of roller assemblies on the deck thereof which are capable of moving a container longitudinally or laterally or rotating it includes several independently driven groups of roller assemblies. The groups include groups along the sides of the platform having drive axes parallel to the loader axis, groups near the center of the platform having a separate drive axes that are perpendicular to the loader axis, and groups down the center of the platform having drive axes parallel to the loader axis. Large diameter, driven cylindrical rollers are mounted on the outer sides of the sides and rear end of the platform to assist in moving cargo onto the deck.

Abstract: A container pick and return system is provided having a two-tiered flow rail conveyor system that includes an inclined upper set of feed flow rails forming an input conveyor assembly and a lower set of inclined return flow rails forming an exit conveyor upon which a unit load may roll. At the front end of the system is a transfer conveyor assembly that receives a loaded container. The line worker may then operate a damper control pedal that permits the container to be positioned at any desired angle greater than the angle of the input conveyor. This permits enhanced accessibility of the contents of the container regardless of the height or arm length of the line worker or the size and shape of the container contents. When the container is emptied by the line worker, the transfer conveyor assembly is triggered and the empty container is automatically lowered and transferred to the exit conveyor where it rolls down the exit conveyor to the rear of the system for reloading.

Abstract: A sliding dolly that is particularly adapted to loading and unloading awkward and heavy packages, mattresses, or box springs from a truck. There is a, a dolly back frame, and a dolly shelf. There is also a means for supporting the dolly over a floor or other surface. This support means may be a slider and or roller assembly. In the preferred embodiment, both the back frame and the roller assembly are joined to the shelf. The back frame is joined to and depends from the slider. The slider permits the attached back frame, shelf, and roller assembly to move along the slider. The slider is typically fastened along one of the sides of a truck near the comer where the top and sides meet. The roller assembly has one or more casters that reduce the friction of moving the sliding dolly along the side of the truck by holding the dolly back frame and shelf away from the side of the truck.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting, loading and unloading a watercraft, such as a jet ski, or wheeled vehicle from the bed of a pick up truck, where the apparatus is convertible to a mobile dolly for storage of the jet ski or other object. The apparatus comprises a tiltable mechanism formed of a pair of spaced apart rails mounting a pair of pivotal and retractable legs at a first end, a winch mechanism at the opposite end, and a longitudinally movable and pivotal leg support mechanism, movable from the first end to near the opposite end.

Abstract: A split roller 150 may be removed from an axle 104 without requiring access to the axle end. A split wheel hub 152 supports a plurality of peripheral rollers 180, which may be arranged in two rows spaced along the hub axis. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel hub comprises two asymmetric hub halves 134, 136 which are fastened together around an axle. Each roller in the second row may be spaced circumferentially between a pair of rollers in the first row. According to the method of the invention, the hub halves are assembled, preferably with some rollers in each of the first and second rows already mounted thereon. Other rollers in each row are then mounted to the assembled hub halves.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle cargo lift having a bed (9) having posts (10) parallel to each other extending from the bed (9), a support frame (2) having two opposed side frames forming a well therebetween to accommodate the bed (9), at least one hollow elongated member (7) located in each side frame, drive devices (8) to move the bed (9) between a raised transport position and a ground engaging loading positions such that the bed (9) retains substantially the same orientation throughout its movement between the transport position and the loading position with the hollow elongated members (7) being telescopically engaged with respective posts (10) of the bed (9).

Abstract: A releasing and securing assembly affixed to the starboard or port side of a boat and trailer is disclosed to temporarily release or secure a boat to a trailer while loading and unloading a boat on a boat ramp.

Abstract: The present invention features a universal, low profile, expandable flow track system that can be drop-load mounted to almost any supporting frame or pallet rack. The flow track system of the invention features a flow track that mounts flush with its end supports, and is infinitely adjustable along both the horizontal axis and depth axis of the storage frame. The flow track is quickly assembled to, adjusted upon, and removed from, the storage frame.

Abstract: A transfer car is configured to travel along an aisleway between arrays of conveyor sections. The transfer car includes a chassis that carries ground engaging wheels and a transfer conveyor assembly movably supported on said chassis. A transfer motor drives a rack and pinion mechanism that translates the conveyor assembly from side-to-side over the edges of the transfer car. Thus, with the transfer conveyor assembly in its neutral position centered over the chassis, the transfer car maintains a wide gap between the car and the ends of the conveyor array to prevent injury to persons standing near the gap. The transfer conveyor assembly can be shifted to one side adjacent an end of a conveyor section to receive items from that section, and then shifted to the opposite side adjacent an end of an opposing conveyor section to discharge the items.

Abstract: A wheeled transporter for air cargo includes a load carrying platform having rollers, connected at one edge to a power console incorporating a prime mover, and supported at the other edge with unpowered castoring wheels. The transporter is driven by two steerable wheels located beneath the console adjacent opposite ends. Each steerable wheel is driven by a reversible motor, and is steerable so that when one wheel is turned in one direction the other is turned in an opposite direction. The transporter can thus be driven in either direction along path (X), and turned or rotated on (Z). By turning the wheels through 90 degrees to the longitudinal direction, the transporter can be driven along a path (Y) in either direction, and steered by varying the differential speed of the wheels. A container carried on the deck can be moved and rotated in directions X', Y' and Z'.

Abstract: An installation apparatus for a powered roller drive unit (11) to propel and convey objects, is provided wherein the roller drive unit is fixed to the floor (13) of an installation channel (12) of the apparatus. The installation apparatus includes a trough (14) attached to the floor (13), preferably in the region of and beneath the roller drive unit (11) for draining water.

Abstract: An improved multi-function loading and recovery apparatus for use with pallets, flat racks, containers and the like having a simple, effective design while enabling efficient operation in a wide variety of recovery operations. This multi-function loading and recovery apparatus utilizes a double pivoting tilt frame and self-locking L-arm, and also includes a unique inside-outside rail option, a collapsible bumper, forward-mounted rollers, an improved rear stabilizer and other features.

Abstract: A roll-off trailer includes an articulating hinge and at least one hydraulic cylinder associated therewith to control the relative movement of fore and aft sections between a first position wherein the fore and aft sections lie substantially in the same horizontal plane during container transport, and a second position wherein the fore and aft sections are articulated to facilitate container loading, unloading and dumping. A pair of fore and aft winches and appropriate cabling may be used to transfer containers on the leveled trailer bed, or alternatively, powered rollers and/or a slide assembly may be used. To assist in dumping and to facilitate loading and unloading in low-ceiling environments, the aft section may be fitted with an optional extensible tail section.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo loader is provided including a platform having a plurality of rollers for supporting cargo thereon. A base member is disposed below the platform and a plurality of telescoping jacks are disposed between the platform and the base member for lifting the platform. A supply of pressurized gas is connected to the plurality of telescoping jacks. An automatic load balancing system is provided for balancing the load on the platform. The cargo loader is designed to be lightweight and portable so that it can be loaded onto the aircraft and transported therewith.

Abstract: A cargo container is fitted to the chassis of a truck tractor so as to be shiftable on rollers between first and second positions. The first position is adjacent the rear of the tractor cab, and the second position is adjacent a rear end of the tractor chassis. The bottom of the container is built with a centred longitudinal channel that allows the container to pass over a fifth wheel of the tractor when being shifted to the second position. The rear side of the container has one or more doors that can be opened when the container has been shifted to the second position and the tractor has been backed into a loading dock. This allows a forklift to be driven directly into the container from the loading dock, facilitating loading and unloading of cargo.

Abstract: A car for loading and unloading elongated rails comprises a frame supported on a track by undercarriages, the frame defining at least one clearance between the undercarriages for permitting the elongated rails to be guided therethrough, a guiding roller arrangement arranged to guide a respective one of the elongated rails through the clearance between the track plane and a loading plane above the frame, the guiding roller arrangement being positioned in the clearance, and two rails for supporting a crane, the rails being affixed to the frame and extending in the longitudinal direction, the rails being spaced from each other in a direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A mobile article transporter for carrying and storing a plurality of similar articles in a compact configuration. The transporter comprises a plurality of relatively friction-free conveyors located one above the other. Each conveyor includes a set of rollers that lie in an inclined plane along which the articles gravitate. Alternate ones of the conveyors tilt in opposite directions to form a Z-shaped structure through which the articles cascade to load the transporter from the bottom up. Pivoted article transfer carriages mount in the transporter for transferring articles between adjacent conveyors. The transfer carriages include guide arms and control arms that direct articles from an upper conveyor to the next lower conveyor. When the lower conveyor is filled with articles, the uppermost article thereon abuttingly engages the guide arms to prevent rotation of the transfer carriage, thereby preventing articles from gravitating onto the full conveyor.

Abstract: An order preparation method includes assembling, in a receptacle placed on an autonomous cart, articles listed in an order from a customer and stored in a warehouse. The unit weight of each article in stock is associated with an identification of this article and the receptacle is weighed after each article is deposited and the total weight of the articles deposited is deduced. This total weight is compared with a theoretical weight equal to the unit weight of the article to be picked multiplied by the corresponding quantity of articles, and a warning signal is emitted in the event that the total weight of the articles deposited is different, plus or minus a tolerance error, from the theoretical weight calculated.

Abstract: A trailer adapted to carry in piggy-back fashion, a removable, replaceable dolly onto which small or personal watercraft is to be loaded or off-loaded. The trailer is provided with higher pressure tires capable of withstanding such impacts and jarring as are associated with highway usage, while the dolly is provided with lower pressure tires for travel over sand, dirt, gravel, or other off-the road use. A first stop, on the trailer, limits movement of the dolly once secured; and a second stop, on the dolly, limits the movement of the watercraft. A plurality of rollers are employed to ease the dolly loading with the trailer, and the watercraft loading with the dolly.

Abstract: The present invention features a universal, low profile, expandable flow track system that can be drop-load mounted to almost any supporting frame or pallet rack. The flow track system of the invention features a flow track that mounts flush with its end supports, and is infinitely adjustable along both the horizontal axis and depth axis of the storage frame. The flow track is quickly assembled to, adjusted upon, and removed from, the storage frame.