Abstract: This specification describes systems for unmanned vehicle carrying and deployment. In some examples, a system includes a deployable robot including at least one rotatable flipper disposed on a surface of the deployable robot. The system includes a base unmanned vehicle configured for carrying and deploying the deployable robot. The base unmanned vehicle includes a base robot chassis, and the base robot chassis includes a platform for securing the deployable robot and at least one retention bracket disposed on the platform. The flipper is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction to lock the deployable robot onto the base robot chassis by engaging with the retention bracket.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift system for a vehicle comprises: a platform for accommodating a wheelchair; a lifting arm; a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic actuator arranged to act on the lifting arm to raise and lower the platform; a barrier mounted on the platform and pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position; a plurality of sensors each arranged to generate a sensor output; a user input device arranged to generate control signals to control operation of the lift; and a control unit. The control unit is arranged to receive the control signals and to receive the sensor output from each of the sensors and to control the hydraulic circuit thereby to control of the lift to perform a number of different operations. The control unit is also operable in a fully operational mode and a safety mode and is arranged to perform a plurality of checks on the sensor outputs, and to record a result of each of the checks, and to switch between the fully operational mode and the safety mode based on the results.

Abstract: An entrance handrail includes: a base portion rotatably provided with an up-down direction as an axial direction; a rail portion extending from a lower portion of the base portion and holding a slide member to be slidable, the slide member being attached to a sliding door; a first handrail body extending from an upper portion of the base portion, disposed on a vehicle cabin side when the sliding door closes the entrance, and projecting outward of the vehicle such that a passenger can hold the first handrail body when the sliding door opens the entrance; and second handrail body disposed on the vehicle cabin side with respect of the rail portion when the sliding door closes the entrance and disposed inward of the rail portion in a width direction of the entrance such that the passenger can hold the second handrail body when the sliding door opens the entrance.

Abstract: An automatic method for autonomous interactions between robots, comprising an action of automatically receiving, by a transport robot, a request for transporting a service robot. The method comprises an action of automatically computing a location of the service robot. The method comprises an action of automatically moving the transport robot to the location of the service robot. The method comprises an action of automatically sending a signal from the service robot to the transport robot using a signal emitter incorporated into a mechanical element attached to the service robot. The method comprises an action of automatically coupling, using the signal, the mechanical element to a carrier element attached to the transport robot.

Abstract: A compaction material feeding device for a vertical baling press, the compaction material feeding device having a compaction material compartment and a conveyor for feeding compaction material from the compaction material compartment to a loading opening of the associated baling press. In the compaction material feeding device the compaction material compartment is limited by a web-shaped carrier element having side wall segments and having a floor segment, as well as at least two fixed second side walls situated opposite one another. The carrier element can be lifted by a lifter device. In a maximally lifted end position of the carrier element, this element is drawn tight, and a compaction material transfer region of the compaction material feeding device is covered and closed by one of the side wall segments of the carrier element. In addition, a baling press is provided having a compaction material feeding device as described.

Abstract: A dump body apparatus including a dump body having an exterior wall defining a compartment for carrying a load. The exterior wall includes a front wall and first and second sidewalls. A first corner wall extends between the front wall and the first sidewall. The first corner wall is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to one or both of the front wall and the first sidewall. An opening is defined in the first corner wall and is in communication with the compartment. A door selectively closes off access to the compartment and a step may be provided below the door. An angled second corner wall may be provided between the front wall and the second sidewall. The angles of the first and second corner walls provide relatively unobstructed lines of sight for a driver seated in a cab of a vehicle that includes the dump body.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operation of a lifting mechanism coupled to a mobility service vehicle. In one example, a method may include, during an engine idle-stop, in response to a request for operation of a lifting mechanism used by mobility devices to access the vehicle, the transmission may be shifted to park, an electronic braking system may be enabled, and the engine may be restarted to provide power for operation of the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A load sensing system for a wheelchair lift arrangement includes an elongated member that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis between an unloaded position and a loaded position; a biasing member that biases the elongated member toward the unloaded position; at least one contact member connected to the elongated member and configured to contact a bridge plate; and a switch assembly operatively connected to the elongated member, the switch assembly being configured to be activated to prevent operation of the wheelchair lift arrangement when the elongated member is in the loaded position. A method of regulating movement of a lift platform of a wheelchair lift arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: A portable and foldable lift can be attached to a surface such as a tailgate of a truck. The lift can be slid off the gate and used to lift heavy objects from the ground to the bed of the truck. The portable and foldable lift is returned in a folded position to the tailgate for easy storage. The portable and foldable lift can also be attached to a work bench, either on top or underneath, and can be folded up and stored out of the way.

Abstract: A modular trailer vehicle is provided comprises a wheeled trailer chassis having a forward vehicle attachment, along with a rotatable cargo platform attached to the chassis for supporting cargo hauled thereon. The rotatable cargo platform is rotatably mounted to a hydraulically actuated turntable, which facilitates rotation of the platform from a position in alignment with the chassis to a position wherein the loading ramp is positioned off to the side of the trailer. The platform is capable of complete rotation about a central axis defined by the turntable center, wherein at least two hydraulic arms actuate the turntable, which supports the rotatably platform using a bearing assembly attached to the trailer chassis.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift arrangement configured to be installed in a preexisting structure includes a lift base assembly including a lift base plate and two supports attached to the lift base plate; and at least one installation bracket connected to each of the supports, respectively. Each installation bracket includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion and the vertical portion of each installation bracket are each configured to connect the respective installation bracket and the lift base assembly to the preexisting structure at a separate location.

Abstract: A gripper assembly is provided for use in an autonomous mobile robot for grabbing and holding an object to be transported by the robot. The gripper assembly includes two rotatable shafts and two counter-rotating flippers, each fixedly connected to a different one of the rotatable shafts for engaging the object on opposite sides thereof. The gripper assembly also includes two drive elements, each engaging a different one of the rotatable shafts. Two drive arms engage the two drive elements to transfer torque and rotation from each drive arm to a respective drive element and rotatable shaft to open or close a respective flipper around the object. Each drive element can be disengaged from a respective drive arm and then rotated in order to adjust a radial position of a respective rotatable shaft and flipper relative to the drive arm so that objects of different sizes can be accommodated.

Abstract: A cable-driven liner loading system for loading of an invertible liner onto a trailer bed and unloading the invertible liner from the trailer bed. A movable trolley is supported between a pair of tracks defined by C-shaped members. The movable trolley is actuated by a cable system that is driven by a winch and a set of pulleys, permitting the movable trolley to move along an axis of the trailer bed to facilitate loading of the invertible liner in a serpentine-like manner.

Abstract: A container handling system comprising a crane and a plurality of base elements. The base elements are designed for resting on containers and the crane is designed for being supported on containers or base elements. Containers can be transported on the base elements, which are preferably arranged to form a path. Also cranes, other base element etc. can travel on the paths. Base elements may be provided with rollers or the like and may comprise a turning unit for turning containers etc. about a vertical axis. The system may handle containers stored in a three-dimensional array by arranging base elements on top of containers, lifting containers onto base elements and moving containers across or along base elements to another location in the array. The array may be in a container yard or on a carrier vessel, where the handling system is part of its onboard equipment.

Abstract: One variation may include a product including a vehicle including a powered lift arm connected thereto and a hand connected to the powered lift arm, and a body panel ramp, the hand being constructed arranged to capture a grab pin on a container, and wherein the powered lift arm, the hand in the body panel ramp are constructed and arranged so that the power lift arm may load and unload a container onto and off of the vehicle wherein the container rolls over the body panel ramp. One variation may include a method including providing a vehicle and a container, wherein the vehicle including at least one powered lift arm connected thereto, a hand connected to the powered lift arm, and a body panel ramp, the hand capturing a grab pin on the container, unloading the container from the vehicle comprising moving the at least one power lift arm so that the container rolls along and off of the body panel ramp and off of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift mounted on the rear of an automobile for transporting a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility device includes two or more sets of sensors. A first set of sensors is located at the distal ends of the wheelchair lift platform for use when the platform is horizontal. A 2nd set of sensors is located on the base of the wheelchair lift for use when the platform is folded vertically. The sensors alert a driver to the presence of objects in close proximity to the rear of the vehicle when driven in reverse. They switch automatically activates the base sensors when the platform is folded and the platform sensors when the platform is horizontal.

Abstract: A carrying autonomous vehicle system, comprising: a carrying autonomous vehicle and at least one carried autonomous vehicle. The carrying autonomous vehicle has a main frame and at least one flipper. The carried autonomous vehicle uses at least one flipper to load and/or unload at least one carried autonomous vehicle on the main frame.

Abstract: The present combination ladder rack and loader device is designed for use with pickup trucks. This device can function as a typical ladder rack, but also has the ability to lift large and heavy objects both into and out of the truck's bed. In one embodiment, the combination ladder rack and loader device can connect to the pick-up truck primarily through a receiver hitch allowing it to be easily disconnected from the truck when desired. This device can also comprise either a mechanical or an electrical winch to assist in the loading and unloading of large or heavy objects.

Abstract: A transshipment device for horizontal transshipment in a container transport system for the rail and/or road sector includes at least one sliding and lifting plate, which is operated hydraulically, pneumatically or electro-mechanically, and is detachably mounted on a truck, and which interacts with at least one adapter frame which is detachably installed on a container-carrying wagon. Two sliding and lifting plates are positioned on the truck to grip and hold a container from below so that it can be carried.

Abstract: There is provided a lifting assembly for selectively loading a container onto a chassis of a vehicle and unloading the container from the chassis, the lifting assembly comprising: a frame connected to the chassis; an arm having a first end pivotably connected to the frame and a second end releasably connectable to the container; and a pivoting actuator having a first actuator portion pivotably connected to the frame and a second actuator portion pivotably connected to the arm between the first and second ends thereof, the second actuator portion being linearly movable relative to the first actuator portion for pivoting the arm relative to the frame to selectively move the container towards the frame and away from the frame. There is further provided a cargo-carrying vehicle comprising the lifting assembly and a method for unloading a container mounted on a chassis of a vehicle from the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a mobile mounting device (11) for the automated mounting of modules (16) on receiving devices (17), in particular of solar modules on stands, in which method a module (16) is gripped by a mounting tool (24), wherein, before transferring the module (16) to the mounting position (36), the handling device (21) is transferred to a measuring position (35) above the mounting position (36), the location of mounting points (37) in the mounting position (36) is determined, the module (16) is transferred to the mounting position (36) starting from the measuring position (35), and the assembly movement is carried out automatically.

Abstract: A single-engine surface cleaning vehicle comprises a pre-built conventional truck chassis and a forwardly mounted internal combustion engine. A hydraulic pump has a mechanical input connected to the mechanical output of the power take off unit, and a hydraulic output. A hydraulic drive motor has a hydraulic input connected to the hydraulic output of variable displacement hydraulic pump, and a mechanical output connected in driving relation to the drive input of the rear differential and drive axle assembly. The rear drive wheels are drivable by the internal combustion engine through the power take off unit, the variable displacement hydraulic pump, the hydraulic drive motor and the differential and axle assembly. A debris hopper is mounted on the pre-built conventional truck chassis. A debris loading apparatus is operatively mounted on the pre-built conventional truck chassis and is connected in debris depositing relation to the debris hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may comprise a platform, a rotatable structure on the platform, an arm associated with the platform, and an interface associated with the arm. The structure may be configured to hold a number of tanks. The arm may be configured to move about a plurality of axes. The interface may be configured to connect to a tank in the number of tanks. The arm may be configured to move the tank about the plurality of axes when the interface is connected to the tank.

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 present invention is a system for transporting and storing construction materials for a job site using a trailer having a plurality of openings, a container having a frame carrying support feet for being received into the trailer openings, a plurality of attachment points carried by the frame on the floor of the interior of the container, a plurality of shelves carried by the interior of the container; and a door carried by the container having a lock.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift and restraining device for an automotive vehicle includes a base pivotally mounted beneath the main floor of a vehicle. First and second support arm portions extend outwardly from the base and are configured for engagement with a wheelchair frame, preferably a wheel axle. A rotating assembly selectively moves the support arm through approximately 90° of rotation and the system is raised and lowered relative to the vehicle to transport the wheelchair from outside the vehicle to the interior of the vehicle, and also position the wheelchair at a desired height in the vehicle interior. Translation movement of the support arms also positions the wheelchair occupant at a desired location. A headrest extends from the system to provide desired neck and head support.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting, loading, and unloading various types of goods can include a motor vehicle having a tractor portion and a rectilinear shaped cargo area portion. The cargo area portion can include three traditional sides and a curtain side. The various parts of the system can include, but are not limited to, the following: a front, first width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area that is adjacent to a tractor portion. The system can further include a solid side along a first length of the rectilinear shaped cargo area. A first door can be contained with the solid side along the first length. Adjacent to the first door, a side-mount liftgate can be positioned. A rear, second width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area can contain a second door. The second door can be a rolling type door.

Abstract: A cargo loader operable to load cargo into an opening of an enclosed trailer. The loader has an elongated bed with a front portion and a rear open portion. The opening of the trailer is positioned adjacent to the rear open portion of the bed. A pair of sidewalls flank the rear open portion and define an interior cargo receiving area. A carriage is moveably mounted to the bed and coupled to a drive assembly operable to move the carriage between the front portion and the rear open portion. The carriage is positioned on the front portion to allow cargo to be loaded into the cargo receiving area. The carriage is configured to push a ram longitudinally along the bed to push the cargo inside the cargo receiving area into the opening of the enclosed trailer.

Abstract: A method of transporting a wind turbine component on an existing road includes loading the wind turbine component on a transportation device in a first orientation using the transportation device, reorienting the component to a second orientation while mounted on the transportation device, and using the transportation device to transport the component on the road. The transportation device includes a trailer having a front portion and a rear portion, each including a fixed frame, a movable frame, lift actuators, and a connecting member configured to be coupled to the component. A drive system is provided for rotating the component when mounted on the transportation device.

Abstract: A transport system suited for transporting a turbine engine mounted to an engine docking unit is provided. The transport system is capable of adjusting the attitude of the docking unit in at least the lateral and longitudinal directions relative to the engine to facilitate the loading and unloading of the turbine engine to and from the transport system.

Abstract: A power ramp for a vehicle and a control method thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is system configured to place a load in a motor vehicle. The system includes a beam defining a first end configured to receive the load, and a second end configured to receive a counter force to the load; and a base defining a fulcrum for the beam, such that the second end of the beam receives a constraining force from a ceiling of the vehicle, the constraining force thereby acting as the counter force.

Abstract: Tailgates for trucks have a loading platform which can be lifted and lowered and pivoted by a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism has hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering and pivoting the loading platform. The hydraulic cylinders require a hydraulic subassembly and comparatively thick hydraulic lines in order to operate. The invention provides a tailgate in which the loading platform is raised, lowered and pivoted by electric linear drives (20). The linear drives (20) are provided in a particular manner with a plurality of rod-like electric motors (25) which together drive a gearwheel (32). The gearwheel (32) can rotate a spindle nut (24) on a threaded spindle (23). The threaded spindle (23) can thus be displaced axially like piston rods of hydraulic cylinders. As a result of the electrically operating linear drives (20), the tailgate according to the invention does not need any hydraulic subassembly or any hydraulic hoses.

Abstract: A hose loading apparatus is provided. The hose loading apparatus includes a storage bed, and an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is operably connected to the storage bed. The actuation arrangement is operable to move the storage bed along an arcuate path between a raised and a lowered position to dispose the storage bed along side a vehicle. The actuation arrangement is also operable to maintain the storage bed in a horizontal orientation as the storage bed transitions between the raised and the lowered positions.

Abstract: The present application provides an all terrain vehicle for load hauling. The all terrain vehicle may include a cargo box and a winch assembly positioned about the cargo box.

Abstract: A keg conveying trolley has a pair of wheels, a central post and a slide which carries a hook for grasping the keg rim. The slide is lockable at different keg heights. A foot plate assists in tipping the trolley to an inclined position for wheeling the keg from one place to another. The keg stacking version has a winch worked by hand or a cordless drill. The keg is supported by a rise and fall carriage. The carriage can be modified to be multitask. Variants can lift gas bottles on their side, truck tyres for placing on wheel studs and odd shaped loads.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stacking hay bales. The hay bale stacker includes a trailer having chassis and a platform, a hay clamping assembly (J) positioned at a longitudinal edge of the platform, the clamping assembly is pivotally coupled to the hay bale platform to selectively move between a horizontal bale clamping position and a vertical bale unloading position.

Abstract: A bale unloading device is provided for unloading bales off from an inline bale wrapping machine. The bale unloading device comprises a telescopic bale unloading member that is found on the unwrapped bale loading end of the bale wrapping machine or on a bale storage trailer attached thereto. When in use, the bale unloading device goes from a retracted state to an extended state, pushing the last bale through a bale wrapping device and towards a wrapped bale support structure located on the wrapped bale unloading end of the bale wrapping machine. The bale unloading member is powered by hydraulic valves/actuators and therefore does not necessitate any manual intervention to unload the last bale from the bale wrapping machine.

Abstract: A controller, control system and method for controlling an auxiliary device comprising a wheelchair lift, ramp, or the like are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary device controller is microprocessor-based and communicates with a vehicle's OEM controller for receiving a plurality of sensor inputs, which originate from OEM and auxiliary sensors, process the sensor inputs, and control various OEM and auxiliary systems relative to the sensor inputs to effect a number of safety interlocks. The controller may operate to coordinate various OEM and auxiliary subsystems to automate auxiliary device operation to reduce operator error.

Abstract: A lift gate system includes a lift gate assembly comprising an actuator system for actuating a lift gate, an interface device for receiving lift gate operation information from an operator, and a main controller device comprising a solid state relay switch for controlling electrical power to the actuator system. The main controller device further includes a microcontroller configured for determining that one or more conditions are satisfied, and upon satisfaction of said one or more conditions, then controlling the actuator system via the solid state relay switch based on the received information from the operator for controlling operation of the lift gate assembly accordingly.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting bulk seed containers and for transferring seed from the bulk seed containers to a seed planting machine includes a frame; a number of bulk seed container supports attached to the frame, each bulk seed container support supporting a bulk seed container; a feed tube connected to each of the bulk seed container supports, each feed tube engaging a bulk seed container; a delivery tube connected to each feed tube; a funnel commonly connected to the delivery tubes; an auger tube connected to the funnel, and an auger to transfer seed to a seed planting machine

Abstract: A Universal Folding Boom Trailer (30) for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer (30) includes a winch (44) for loading and unloading the towed vehicles (32, 34, 36) and can act alone as a crane (42) if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer (30) provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer (30) to a personal fifth wheel (36) and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.

Abstract: A lift system for mounting on a vehicle comprising a platform, the platform comprising a main platform and a platform extension slidable relative to the main platform. A handrail is pivotably mounted on the platform and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lift system also comprises handrail deployment means arranged to be actuated by movement of the platform extension to raise the handrail from the stowed position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A transport vehicle is provided including a structure adapted for receiving and holding a component carrier and a lifting mechanism adapted for lifting the component carrier received by the chassis. Further, a component carrier is provided, which is adapted for carrying loads. The component carrier includes a lifting portion for a transport vehicle and a support portion having a support surface adapted for supporting the load to be carried. Moreover, a system is provided including at least one transport module having a receiver portion adapted for receiving a support module, the transport module comprising a raising mechanism adapted for raising the support module and at least one support module adapted to fit in the receiver portion of the transport module and adapted to support loads to be transported.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mobile refuse vehicle and related methods. The mobile refuse vehicle includes first and second storage tanks, a refuse collector, and a vacuum pressure source. The first storage tank includes a first inlet and a first outlet. The second storage tank includes a second inlet and a second outlet. The refuse collector is operably connected in fluid communication with the first and second storage tanks via the first and second inlets. The vacuum pressure source is operably connected to the first and second storage tanks to selectively provide a vacuum pressure condition in the first storage tank or the second storage tank to fill the first or second storage tank with refuse through an inlet thereof using the refuse collector while refuse is being emptied from the other of the first or second storage tank through an outlet thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachably attachable moving headboard trailer ejector and floor cleaning apparatus for use with a self-unloading trailer having a front end, a rear end, side walls, and either a reciprocating slat conveyor floor or a conveyor belt floor. The invention comprises, in one embodiment, a base, a panel sweeper, one or more panel sweeper support members, a means for traversing the panel sweeper, a tether bar, side flanges, and a base flange. In use, the invention is placed in the front end of a self-unloading trailer and the trailer is loaded with material; when material is ejected from the trailer, the invention “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: A wheelchair lift having a logic module which provides several interlocks that promote proper operation is described. The logic module may be programmed to enable efficient user interface and to compensate for variations in lift operation parameters. In one embodiment, the wheelchair lift has an arm geometry which requires a lower peak force for operation.

Abstract: A container transportation system that includes a dolly system that can be mounted underneath the container and then used, optionally in cooperation with a boom or lift, to navigate a container to a desired location. The dolly includes a motor mounted in a swivel bracket that facilitates movement of the dolly for storage. The dolly includes a locking mechanism to clamp in on a load. The dolly can be navigated through the use of a wireless remote control unit that is either held by an operator or by a device that is integrated into the electronics of a road tractor and/or dolly system. The system may include a mounting system for mounting the dolly to a road tractor and a boom for lifting the dolly from a deployed state to a loaded state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for destroying, on site, electronic and electric equipment and media and the information contained thereon. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing information stored on electronic and electric equipment and media by degaussing and shredding the physical hardware containing the information. Each of the degausser and the shredder are contained within a mobile vehicle such that the scrap electronic and electric equipment and media may be destroyed and stored within targeted receptacles. Moreover, the mobile vehicle of the present invention is adapted to move from one location to another such that the method of destroying the electronic and electric equipment and media may be utilized on-site at the facility of a business owner, thereby, eliminating any risk associated with compromising the confidentiality of the information.

Abstract: A bulk material cargo container liner system comprises an inflatable bulk material cargo container liner which has at least one vacuum discharge tube member disposed internally within the bulk material cargo container liner and extending along the longitudinal extent thereof for discharging bulk cargo material outwardly from the bulk material cargo container liner, and at least one inflatable air bag component for conducting the bulk material, disposed within the bulk material cargo container, toward the vacuum discharge tube member.