Abstract: A compact utility trailer for pick-up and delivery of relatively small sized lots of material is readily towable behind a variety of commonly driven vehicles such as automobiles, pick-up trucks and the like, and contains a hand operated hydraulic jack-operated forklift that allows a pallet of material to be easily seized and lifted into a transport position within the confines of the trailer. The trailer comprises a front end hydraulic jack-mounting portion, and a rear end pallet-housing portion affixed thereto within which a pallet is to be seized and transported. The front end hydraulic jack-mounting portion has a longitudinal member having a trailer hitch fixture. A floor is affixed to the front end portion, and a hydraulic jack is mounted to the floor. A driven piston of the jack is vertically translatable to engage a fork lift-translating lever unit, which is coupled to a fork lift frame supported in the rear end portion of the trailer.

Abstract: A container 1 has a support member 3 which ascends and descends freely and is provided at back of a container body 2, a top connecting member 11 which is fixed at front of the container body 2 and can couple and decouple with a carrier 45, a bottom connecting member 16 which is provided at the front of the container body 2 so as to be able to move and which couples and decouples with the carrier 45, and transmitting members 21, 40 which transmit the movement of the bottom connecting member 16 to the support member 3 and raise and lower the support member 3.

Abstract: A two-wheeled trailer carries an adjustably rotatable crane to allow loading and placement of grave headstones by a single worker. The trailer provides a ladder type frame supporting a bed with upstanding sides and openable tailgate. The frame is supported for locomotion by a two-wheeled truck and has tongue structure with vertically adjustable supports. The tongue structure immediately forwardly of the body supports a crane base that journals an angulated crane mast carrying a boom structure, with adjustable braking mechanism communicating between the mast and base to regulate rotation of the mast. The crane mast carries a hoist to move a cable supported by a sheave at the outer end of the crane boom for vertical lifting at the end of the boom. The trailer frame has an adjustable outrigger support to prevent vehicle tipping on inclined support surfaces or when supporting laterally extending masses.

Abstract: A step-type vehicle lift is provided with a linkage assembly (20) and horizontally oriented barrier cylinder (228) that enables movement of a barrier plate (102) between a retracted position and a barrier position while the step/platform assembly (24) is in the step position. A hinge (800) that connects the barrier plate (102) to an outer platform member (103) and is provided with at least one laterally extending projection (810). When the step/platform assembly (24) is in the step position, and the barrier plate (102) is moved to the retracted position, the projection (810) on the hinge (800) engages a slot (114) formed in the top of one of a pair of rails (108) that support the step/platform assembly (24), thereby latching the step/platform assembly (24) in the stowed position. When it is desired to extend the step/platform assembly (24) into the platform position, the barrier plate (102) is raised to the barrier position, thereby disengaging the projection (810) from the slot (114) in the rail (108).

Abstract: A cargo handling and restraining system for loading, unloading, and transporting cargo containers in a carrier vehicle. The carrier is provided with a supporting floor (bed) having a plurality of tracks disposed thereon. The tracks include a channel disposed between a pair of spaced, horizontally extending members, and each container is provided with members which "ride" in the channel of the tracks to move the containers along the track. A hook assembly is provided at opposite ends and on the bottom of the containers for engaged relation with a retaining mechanism which positively locks adjacent containers together and to the track. A locking member is provided for rigidly securing the last loaded container (toward the rear of the bed) to the track. A cargo loader mechanism is provided to load and unload the cargo onto and off of the bed, and a cargo cart is provided to transport the cargo from or to a storage bin.

Abstract: The instant device is a modified wood splitter featuring a hydraulically controlled log elevator, a log splitting piston stroke control rod, an adjustable four-way splitting wedge and a generator mounting apparatus all of which said features have been added to, for a significant improvement upon a conventional power driven wood splitter.

Abstract: A device (10) for raising and lowering an impaired person between the ground and a higher level for boarding and deplaning from an airplane. The device (10) comprises a wheeled frame (12) and a hydraulic lift for raising and lowering the person (14). The hydraulic lift (14) extends upwardly from the wheeled frame (12). The device (10) also comprises a platform (16) oriented transversely in relation to the hydraulic lift (14), the platform (16) being adapted for supporting the impaired person or a wheelchair in which the person reposes. The device (10) also has a protective enclosure (18) mounted upon the platform (16) which surrounds the impaired person.

Abstract: Steps are convertible into a platform of an elevator for wheelchairs such as installed in vehicles and buses, during which conversion a barrier is automatically raised from the bottom step to be at the outer edge of the platform. The barrier is operated by an extensible link under the bottom step, which link is connected between the barrier and a crank arm keyed to an oscillatible transverse shaft under the inner part of the bottom step. Two additional crank arms are keyed to the ends of this shaft and are connected to a frame for a step or riser to oscillate said shaft when the steps are extended and unfolded into their platform position. The extendible link extends the barrier into a ramp when the platform is in its lowest position for access by a wheelchair. Reciprocating motors such as hydraulic pistons extend, retract, fold and unfold the panels that form the steps and their intermediate risers.

Abstract: An underslung cargo container system in which a cargo container is removably secured to the exterior bottom of the trailer of a truck.

Abstract: A vehicle battery decking device for installing and removing vehicle batteries from a vehicle chassis using a battery tray and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders attached at a first end to the battery tray and attached at a second end to the vehicle chassis in which the battery is being installed or removed.

Abstract: A latch plate for swing doors of a truck is disclosed which is movable between a latch engaging position and a retracted position. The latch plate in its retracted position would not interfere with vertically movable parts of a tailgate lift.

Abstract: A linkage assembly (20) for use with a platform or step lift (22) for transmitting force from a linear actuator (228) to a ramp (40) pivotally attached to the outer edge of the platform (26) of the lift so as to cause the ramp to travel through a rotational path of at least 180 degrees. The linkage assembly is designed so that no portion thereof extends more than about 0.25 inch above the upper surface (28) of the ramp and the top surface (48) of the platform, and so that the ramp is driven downwardly toward the extended position with a force insufficient to cause serious injury to a person's feet positioned in the path of travel of the ramp. Additionally, a hinge structure (700) is provided for use with a step lift for coupling the platform with its vertical extensions (66, 68) so as to permit the latter to pivot relative to the platform as the extensions move up and down within the vertical guides (80, 82) in which the vertical extensions are slidably received.

Abstract: A hay bale transport has a frame consisting of a plurality of spaced inverted U-shaped frame members which are secured together in spaced parallel relation by elongated beams extending along the lower ends thereof. An elongated longitudinal alley space exists within the frame for receiving a plurality of bales to be transported. Spaced elongated bale supporting rails extend within the frame and are secured to the beams. Wheels are secured to the frame and are connected to a power unit for raising or lowering the frame with respect to a ground surface whereby bales within the alley can be raised or lowered with respect to the ground surface. An operating cab is movably secured to one of the inverted U-shaped frame members and is normally positioned within the alley, but is connected to another power unit so that the cab can be laterally moved out of the alley while the bales are being picked up, transported, and discharged.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for hoisting loads from ground level to a truck platform, which has particular advantages on flat bed trucks. Ramps are provided for rolling loaded dollies off a curbing or from the ground onto a lower lift platform position where they are raised by a motor powered hoisting mechanism with the lift platform up to the truck platform. The system is stowed and carried entirely beneath the truck platform so that it does not interfere with its utility or introduce any members above the truck platform. A pivotable lift platform permits storage in a vertically oriented position to prevent the system from extending significantly back of the truck platform. A low powered d-c reversible motor rotates vertical drive screws mating with a drive yoke attached to opposite ends of the lift platform. The lift platform is spring biassed upwardly to aid in lifting loads upwardly to the truck platform with a small motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing tobacco transplant seedlings from a plant bed by being connected to a tractor and pulled thereacross. An undercutter bar is provided at the front of the apparatus for undercutting a ribbon of soil which is then received by a conveyor defining an upwardly extending and a horizontally extending portion. A shaker mechanism provided beneath the conveyor serves to dislodge soil and smaller transplant seedlings from the seedlings as the seedlings are transported from the front to the rear of the automated apparatus. A boxing mechanism is provided at the rear of the automated apparatus which serves to fill containers with the transplant seedlings and then to deposit the filled containers upon the ground as the apparatus is pulled across a plant bed.

Abstract: An attachment for the rear of a motor vehicle for transporting a personal mobility vehicle includes a load carrying frame pivotally attached to a first frame member and is pivotable from a storage position to an extended load carrying position transverse to and extending rearwardly from the first frame member. Such support arms on each side of the attachment are provided to attach the frame members together in the extended position. A load securing cross member is secured at one end to the center of the first frame member and at its opposite end to the center of the rear frame member. A hoist mechanism may be attached to one end of the first frame member rotatable on the support about a vertical axis and pivotable thereon in a vertical plane.

Abstract: Passive rotary wheelchair lift that is retrofittable in transit vehicles on either the forward or rearward edge of a side double-door step well. The lift employs in its preferred embodiment a double slide tube having a box frame with a cross header. A hydraulic cylinder actuates a pair of chains, one descending down each lift tube to operate the vertical lift. A manual hand pump is provided in the case of power failure. Secured to the bottom of inner telescoping lift tubes is a plate carrying a power actuator for rotating the lift platform from a deployed horizontal position to a vertical stowed position. In the stowed position the platform is approximately 26 inches in length and 36 inches in width. The platform has one or more slide-mounted extension sections which permit the platform to extend out to a full 51 inches. Manual or power-actuated wheel stops are provided at the rear entry and the forward end, for either one way or two way entry/exit onto the platform.

Abstract: Load lifting device in particular for a truck, the device comprising: a pair of substantially upright columns (6) which can be in a stationary position in respect of the truck; a slide (7) being movable along the columns; a platform assembly (12) being mounted to the slide such that it can be pivoted around an axis (10) running parallel to the plane of the columns and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of these, members being present for moving the slide in respect of the columns, the platform assembly (12) comprising two sections: a base section (11) being pivotally mounted to the slide (7) and a carrying section (14) being pivotally mounted to the base section (11).

Abstract: An apparatus attached to the trailing end of a passenger vehicle that carries a small three wheeled vehicle of the type used by people who have difficulty in walking. Three ramps in triangular array are supported by a support assembly that is raised and lowered by a small motor. The raising and lowering is accomplished by a telescoping member that causes a linkage apparatus to lift the ramp members when the telescoping member is extended and to lower the ramp members when the telescoping member is retracted. The profile of the apparatus is low in that it is positioned below the bottom edge of a station wagon rear door and does not interfere with the opening of that door. A hinge allows folding of the apparatus into a generally vertical plane when not in use.

Abstract: A conveying and/or handling device for containers has a plurality of coupling claws, and latching members cooperating with the latter essentially in the manner of tongs. In order to provide for simple handling of all types of containers and to load and move them about, two coupling claws are provided on a transverse bearer or beam of a lifting carriage. The transverse bearer or beam carrying the coupling claws runs in vertical guideways on the lifting carriage for vertical motion and is driven by a hydraulic piston and cylinder unit. The lifting carriage is provided with at least one fork or supporting plate to be placed under the floor of the container. The carriage runs in guideways of the vertical beams of a lifting rig and is driven by a hydraulic drive unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic platform lift for use on trucks and truck trailers has two hydraulic cylinders, one on each side of a door. The cylinders are phasing cylinders in that one cylinder is larger than the other cylinder by a specific ratio. The cross-sectional area of the fluid in the rod end of the larger cylinder minus the area of the rod is equal to the cross-sectional area of the smaller cylinder. A connecting line interconnects the rod end of the large cylinder with the cap end of the small cylinder. Hydraulic fluid can be directed by a controller into the cap end of the large cylinder or the rod end of the small cylinder. For upward movement, hydraulic fluid is forced into the rod end of the small cylinder. This in turn forces hydraulic fluid through the connecting line into the rod end of the large cylinder, thereby raising both pistons.

Abstract: A posture adjusting mechanism according to the present invention is used for a cargo handling device for a cargo truck in which an arm member is mounted in such a manner that it can swivel about a vertical shaft provided on an upper end portion of a pole member, such as a pole, mounted on a bed of the cargo truck upright and above a cab of the truck and in which a cargo supporting member, such as a hook, hangs from the distal end of the arm member in such a manner that it can be raised or lowered freely. The vertical shaft provided on the upper end portion of the pole member so as to swivel the arm member thereabout is made pivotal relative to a vertical axis.

Abstract: A safety barrier for a vehicle mounted lift for wheelchairs is normally in an upright blocking position even when the lift platform is at a ground level. The barrier includes upper and lower panels which are hinged together and coupled with a pair of lever arms. A tubular slide coupled with each lever arm cooperates with a rigid link to bias the forward ends of the arms to elevated positions to maintain the barrier in an upright position. When the lever arms are manually lowered, the barrier upper and lower panels fold upon themselves to provide a ramp over which a wheelchair may be rolled for loading onto the lift platform. The arms are supported by the links in cantilevered positions and are connected to the panels for absorbing by deflection of the arms the energy from impacts from the wheelchair against the barrier.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift apparatus for transporting a wheelchair and its occupant into and from a commercial vehicle can be installed in the existing doorway of the vehicle on a rotation column which is capable of supporting a telescoping platform assembly for movement into and out of an operative position across the doorway, there being a retention strap to prevent accidental forward rolling movement of the wheelchair as it is lifted or lowered, and a barrier plate across the front end of the forwardmost platform section cooperates with side flanges or rails on the platform section to prevent accidental movement of the wheelchair off of the platform assembly. The platform support unit is capable of lifting and lowering substantial loads without binding, and the platform assembly is hinged to the platform support unit in such a way as to require positive manual pressure in folding and unfolding the platform assembly with respect to the support unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading materials onto and from a truck bed includes a corner-mounted swivel hoist mechanism which is releasably clamped to the walls of the truck bed and includes an upper swivel boom member and a lower winch assembly having a cable which can be passed either upwardly over the boom member or rearwardly along the truck bed; and a dump body can be placed on the truck bed and lifted at its front end by the hoist in dumping materials contained in the body. The dump body has an open frame and an inner flexible liner with a rear flap portion of the liner being releasable to an open or lowered position to facilitate removeal of the contents from the body when tilted.

Abstract: A potato harvester having cooperative elements serving the functions of prividing an overall frame for the harvester with wheels for locomotion. A de-vining system utilizing a de-vining chain running between large top roller and a smaller bottom roller a pallet and worker stand, a sorting area to sort potatoes three ways and an area and system for discharge of filled pallets which cooperate in an assembly line process allowing for the intervention and participation of field workers with an automated process. The chief inventive portions being a pallet stand with an unloading forklift; Separation or sorting of potatoes onto conveyors which load the potatoes into the appropriate pallets depending on size while allowing for separation by hand of large and small potatoes from the average sized into three distinct areas by hand with waste disposal finished by hand; a refined digging and de-vining system designed to clear vines from the potatoes and carrier chain in a assembly line process.

Abstract: A power-operated lift, adapted to be mounted in a vehicle trunk has linkage means for raising a load-supporting platform in a vertical direction. The platform can be manually moved in a horizontal direction to remove the load from the trunk. The platform can be pivoted about the frame to provide access to a wheel well beneath the lift. A reversible motor is connected to the linkage for either raising or lowering the platform with respect to the trunk floor.

Abstract: A combination step bumper and hoist apparatus is set forth wherein a step bumper is provided with a storage receptacle container mounting an overlying pivoted lid including a latch member to secure the lid to the storage bumper. The bumper includes plural pairs of spring latches to secure elongate post members therein wherein the post members may be assembled as a hoist organization. The hoist organization is received through an aperture within the lid aligned with a support cylinder formed at an intersection of a side wall and rear wall of the storage bumper.

Abstract: A load lifting attachment suitable for mounting on a truck or other vehicle frame which can handle, load, unload, lift and transport various loads including containers and pallets. The attachment is pivotally mounted behind a truck cab by mounting on a pair of support beams which in turn are pivotally mounted to the truck frame. The attachment is pivoted to a raised position away from the rear of the truck frame when not in use permitting unimpeded connection of a trailer or the like to the truck frame by a fifth wheel or other trailer attaching device. When not in use, the load lifting attachment may be secured to the truck cab. When in use, the attachment is pivoted to a lowered position.

Abstract: A light-weight elevator platform for a load elevator of a truck or the like has a plurality of light-weight floor boards mounted in a rectangular frame which has support rails which extend across the frame and are located between adjacent floor boards. Side edges of the floor boards are mounted in channels which are formed in the side edges of the frame and support rail members. The support rail members are releaseably secured to the frame member.

Abstract: A farm utility wagon for carrying round or cylindrical bales with a center superstructure running from the front to the rear of the wagon. The superstructure can be raised or lowered by hydraulic cylinders. When the superstructure is in a lowered position it forms with the wagon base two parallel channels on to which two parallel rows of round or cylindrical bales can be set and moved. When the superstructure is raised, the bales are forced off to the side.

Abstract: A rail type lift apparatus 10 for vehicles utilizing a platform 11 which is capable of being stored automatically beneath the bed of the vehicle. The apparatus utilizes adjustable lever arms 25 hingedly attached to platform 11 for selective engagement with engagement members 61. When engaged, lever arms 25 impart a rotational force on platform 11. Due to this force, platform 11 rotates about its pivotal connection and through rails 23 to a stored position. Platform 11 is hinged at its midpoint, to facilitate folding, thereby conserving the area required for storage. The support assembly supports platform 11 in its stored position and helps propel platform 11 to its operative position. The support assembly also ensures that stop 92 is appropriately aligned securing platform 11 in its stored position. A hydraulic cylinder 80 is used to actuate the apparatus 10.

Abstract: A vehicle is adapted to lift up and transport a plurality of full trash bins for transportation to another site for unloading and to transport and deposit empty clean bins to replace those removed. The vehicle is equipped with a plurality of fork lift systems which may be located along the side and the front thereof. Each of these fork lift systems has a pair of lift arms which are hydraulically raised and lowered and which are utilized to raise a trash bin off the ground so that it is held on the vehicle for transportation and to lower and deposit a replacement bin. A mechanical latching device is provided to assure that the bin will be held in the raised position, this latching device being released by a mechanical handle when the bin is to be removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: A stair lift incorporates a pair of power jacks linked to a stair or step and associated with a vehicle such as a trailer adjacent the vehicle doorway, with the jacks operating in tandem to raise or lower the stair or step with a person standing thereon.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a van adapted to be installed into a recess formed into the rear of the van floor and bumper assembly. The lift includes a pair of spaced apart guide rails, each securely connectable into the sides of the recess so that they lie in spaced, longitudinally disposed verticle planes, the guide rails sloping diagonally downward toward the rear of the van. The lift also includes a movable platform whose central bed is horizontally disposed between spaced parallel side panels and adapted to receive a wheelchair or the like thereatop. A pair of spaced-apart rollers rotatably connected to each side panel engage within the guide rails to facilitate translation of the platform within the guide rails while maintaining the bed generally horizontal.

Abstract: A system for transporting cargo between a storage area and a cargo carrier. The system includes a bridge (13) and boom (15) spanning between the storage area and the cargo carrier. A first elevator (14) is located at one end of the bridge (13) proximate to the storage area. A second elevator (16) is located at the distal end of the boom (15) positionable relative to the cargo carrier. Trackways (20, 21, 22 and 23) along the bridge (13) and boom (15) interconnect the first and second elevators (14 and 16). Independent cars (24) are provided to carry the cargo. Each car (24) is movable on the first and second elevators (14 and 15) and further along the trackways (20, 21, 22 and 23).

Abstract: A remote controlled self-loading truck having a tilt bed equipped with a bed mounted hoist and having fold-down sides, and for mounting on standard truck chassis. An elevated hoist is supported on the tiltable bed adjacent to its forward end for movement with the bed. The hoist includes an elongated generally horizontal rearwardly extending rotatably supported boom. A tail roller is journaled for rotation at the rearward edge of the flat bed. Hinged side gates are provided on opposite sides of the flat bed. Remotely manually controlled hydraulic actuators are provided for raising and lowering the bed relative to the vehicle frame, for rotating the hoist boom, and for operating the hoist winch.

Abstract: An attachment and method to implement loading of a vehicle having a hinged storage compartment closure member such as a trunk lid or hatchback on an automobile by utilizing the closure member as a lifting lever. The conventional hinged trunk lid or hatchback is formed with one or more hook or other material engaging members at the free end of the lid or hatchback remote from the conventional hinge mounting edge of the lid or hatchback. A piston-cylinder assembly having fixed capacity energy storing means in the form of a fixed charge fluid chamber and a variable capacity energy storing means in the form of a variable charge fluid chamber is positioned between the vehicle body and the lid or hatchback, and fluid from a fluid system is selectively directed to the variable charge fluid chamber in the cylinder to displace the piston against the trunk or hatchback lid to lift same, whereby any material engaged by the hook can be lifted to a position over the vehicle storage compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and carrying heavy loads includes a generally horizontally extending support beam attached between a pair of generally vertically extending posts. The lower end of each post is attached to one of a pair of generally horizontally extending side beams which are connected together at a front end by a steering mechanism. A winch for moving a load is coupled to the support beam and is connected to either a pan or directly to a load for releasably engaging and lifting a load. A rear edge of the pan is rotatably attached to the side beams and a front edge can be lifted by the winch to dump a load carried on the pan. A pair of lifting arms can be connected between the posts and the side beams to cooperate with the winch to move a load between the ground and a roof.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a vehicle in which the lift platform serves as part of the floor of the vehicle, and does not need to be extended outwardly of the vehicle to load or unload a wheelchair passenger. The lift operates within a shaft extending between the floor and the undercarriage of the vehicle, and sliding pulley panels are provided at two opposing sides of the shaft below the floor of the vehicle. Pulleys are mounted adjacent the top edges of the pulley panels, and chains are passed over the pulleys, and attached at one end to a fixed point on the vehicle at or below the midpoint between the floor of the vehicle and ground level, and attached at the other end to a lift platform. Other chains are attached at one end to the pulley panels and at the opposite end to a hydraulic cylinder, such that the pulley panels are lowered or raised as the hydraulic cylinder is retracted or extended, in turn causing the lift platform to traverse between the floor of the vehicle and ground level within the shaft.

Abstract: A self-loading and unloading truck trailer rig assembly wherein the cargo truck driver's cab comprises a split configuration mounted at one end of its chassis and a forklift mounted at the other end of the chassis. The mast of the forklift is pivotally mounted to the other end of the chassis and is arranged to lie on top of the chassis longitudinally thereof when the cargo truck is in transit on the highway and is movable to extend laterally of the chassis at its other end when the cargo truck is disconnected from its trailer and is serving as a forklift. When the cargo truck operates as a forklift, a part of its driver's cab is rotated 180 degrees to the rear of the chassis for operator control of the movement of the forklift and cargo truck.

Abstract: A truck-mounted lifting mechanism is provided for loading containers, such as waste bins, on a truck so that the container can be positioned where its weight will be reasonably distributed between the front and rear wheels. The lifting mechanism includes a track extending along the length of the truck bed, a tray which can be moved along the length of the track while being restrained by the track from any vertical displacement, and a jack-up assembly attached to and supported by the movable tray. A pair of hydraulic cylinders attached between the tray and the jack-up assembly permit the controlled forward tilting of the jack-up assembly toward the truck cab. In use, the jack-up assembly is utilized to securely grasp the container to be loaded, and lift it vertically until the container bottom is above the upper surface of the truck bed. In this elevated position, the tray can be pulled by another hydraulic ram toward the truck cab to position the container over the truck bed.

Abstract: A telescoping hoist assembly normally stored in the rear bumper area of a pickup truck includes a boom telescoping into and out of a mast pivotally anchored at one end of the pickup bumper structure. A power winch operated by the pickup electrical energizer is axially mounted on the outward end of the boom. With boom extended out of the mast the cable is connected with the anchored area of the mast for a hoist self erecting action interrupted, when the mast is vertical, by stop members at the base end of the mast. A mast stored jack structure supports hoist loads independently of the pickup suspension system.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted apparatus for lifting and transporting a wheelchair is provided comprising a base onto which the power wheelchair is driven and parked, and having a motorized lift mechanism which lifts the base and wheelchair to a height necessary for transport wherein the base is provided with a subassembly which will keep the base from yawing about the axis formed by the lifting mechanism. Additional subassemblies are provided which hold the wheelchair on the base once it is in the raised position.

Abstract: The load platform of a lift is carried by a runner mounted for vertical reciprocation along a hollow guide column. Within the column the runner and its load are suspended from a short length of a leaf chain that, in turn, is suspended from a powered vertically reciprocable wire rope. The leaf chain extends between a pair of cam pawls pivotally mounted on a brake body carried by the runner, with the pivot axis of the pawls oriented parallel to the pivot axes of the links of the chain. The pawls are biased in a direction to move out of a retracted position into an extended position wherein they engage one side of the column to jam the brake body against an opposite side of the column. The pawls have a contact pin confronting one side of the chain such that when the chain is under tension it bears on the contact pin and so maintains the pawls in retracted position.

Abstract: This concerns a wheelchair lift for a vehicle having upper and lower telescopic frames pivoted about an upper horizontal axis to swing out of the side of the vehicle. The lower telescopic frame is raised and lowered by sprocket chains connected around pulleys on a single hydraulic reciprocating motor anchored to the upper frame. A platform is horizontally pivoted to thelower telescopic frame for movement between a vertical and a horizontal position, either manually or by a separate reciprocating motor. The movement of the platform into its horizontal operating position also automatically swings the telescopic frames out from the side of the vehicle. The platform has pivoted along an orthogonal edge thereof a handrail which automatically raises from an inoperative position parallel to the platform when the platform is folded into its vertical inoperative position to an operative vertical position orthogonal to the platform when the platform is in its operative horizontal position.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting long objects such as combine platforms over highways is disclosed. The vehicle has a main bed with a vertically extending frame at one side. Cantilevered arms on vertical columns of the frame project laterally across the bed and provide support for an upper load. The arms are mounted for sliding movement vertically along the columns and are hoisted into their upper positions by cables trained over a sheave mounted on the end of a fluid piston and cylinder assembly. One side member of the vehicle is considerably shorter than the other side member to permit a combine to be maneuvered into position for directly loading and unloading the platform onto the vehicle. When the first platform is raised into its proper position for transporting, a second combine may be moved into position for directly loading its platform onto the main vehicle bed. The platforms are transported in vertically superposed position.

Abstract: A demountable roll lifting and transport system has laterally spaced apart dollies, each comprising a set of front and rear ground-supported wheels with a wheel fork for each wheel. One of the forks of each set is formed with a journal and the other is formed with a shaft received coaxially in the journal to mount the wheel forks for movement between spread, rool-loading position and convergent, raised, roll-transport position. A lever swingably mounts to one fork of each set for fulcrumming engagement with the periphery of one of the wheels to raise the wheel forks to transport position when the lever is pushed downwardly against the wheel. A demountable roll support extends between the dollies, and a releasable latch disengageably secures the wheel forks in roll-transport position.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) for the delivery of drinks comprises a platform (2) providing a loading surface (3) for carrying the drinks. The platform (2) has, with unchanged overall dimensions, sufficient space for easily managed loading and unloading both of full pallets and of individual consignments. For this purpose the platform (2) has a central walkway (4) at a higher level than the lateral loading surfaces (3). It also preferably has a lifting platform (5) which, when raised, is flush with the surface (3).

Abstract: The latest in a series of wheelchair lift improvements is provided, the basic lift structure on which the improvements are made being the type utilizing a step configuration, the individual panels of which, being hinged together, are simply extended into a geometrical plane rather than a step structure. The resulting platform is then elevationally adjusted by the driver to commute the platform, and a wheelchair victim on the platform, between the curb and bus floor level. The improvements include the hydraulic drive for deploying the mechanism between step and platform mode, the safety barrier structure which defines an extension of the platform to the curb level when it is dropped from its safety barrier mode, a safety locking mechanism and a stabilizing chain.