Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item; a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A loading/unloading device for attachment to a delivery vehicle to facilitate at least one of load and unloading of the delivery vehicle. The loading/unloading device comprises a fixed base member for attachment to the delivery vehicle. A movable base member is supported and axially movable, by a first drive, with respect to the fixed base member. A first end of a lifting arm is pivotably connected to a first end of the movable base member, and the lifting arm is pivotable mounted with respect to the movable base member by a second drive to facilitate pivoting movement of the lifting arm relative to the movable base member. A first end of a support arm is pivotably connected to a second end of the lifting arm, and the support arm is pivotably mounted with respect to the lifting arm to facilitate loading and unloading of the delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A loading/unloading device for attachment to a delivery vehicle to facilitate at least one of load and unloading of the delivery vehicle. The loading/unloading device comprises a fixed base member for attachment to the delivery vehicle. A movable base member is supported and axially movable, by a first drive, with respect to the fixed base member. A first end of a lifting arm is pivotably connected to a first end of the movable base member, and the lifting arm is pivotable mounted with respect to the movable base member by a second drive to facilitate pivoting movement of the lifting arm relative to the movable base member. A first end of a support arm is pivotably connected to a second end of the lifting arm, and the support arm is pivotably mounted with respect to the lifting arm to facilitate loading and unloading of the delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A system is provided for extricating a patient from a position from which extrication is desired. The system includes a first hoist unit, a second hoist unit, a patient lifting pad and a portable lift stand.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a camper-insert, or other large-volume load, onto the bed of a pickup truck comprises a stiff-leg frame for supporting the load from the ground, the frame preventing the load from applying weight to the tail end of the bed with damaging consequences while the load is being cantilevered into position over the frame by the draw of a winch and cable system. The apparatus uses at least one telescoping leg to lift the rear of the load as part of a novel hoist assembly, which dynamically braces the telescoping leg on a foot while providing minimal interference to nesting the camper-insert closely to the host surfaces.

Abstract: A conveyor is arranged to be mounted underneath a hopper bottom highway transportation truck which has two longitudinally spaced dump hoppers each with a bottom discharge opening to carry the discharged material to the side of the trailer from each of the hoppers in turn. The conveyor is thus carried between the bottom discharge openings so that it can be raised up between them during transport. From the mounting point at one side between the openings the conveyor is lowered so that its loading end is lowered and then the conveyor pivots to one side or the other so that its loading end is underneath the selected bottom discharge opening. The conveyor runs in a direction so that it lifts the material from the selected discharge opening upwardly to the mounting point at the one side for discharge to the side.

Abstract: A container transfer system for a transport vehicle includes a lift assembly which has spaced lift lugs that can extend into spaced recesses in the floor of a mating storage container and attachment straps that respectively extend from opposite ends of a mast to connection elements on the respective sides of the container to connect the container to the lift assembly and enable the lift assembly to lift the container onto the vehicle for transport to another location and thereafter download the container off the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle lift barrier is adapted to be mounted to vehicle lifts and the like that assist in loading and unloading cargo and provide a storage environment in which cargo is less likely to migrate from a cargo area into a passenger seating area or compartment. A barrier composed of a barricade is mounted to a vehicle lift, in some cases example by mounting the barrier to a generally vertical post, mast or the like or mounting the barrier to a lift platform, allowing the lift to operate normally while the barricade obstructs all or a substantial portion of the passage between the motor vehicle storage/cargo area and the passenger area. Where the barrier is mounted to a vertical post or the like on a vehicle lift, cut-out bracketing can be used to mate with the outer cross-sectional shape of the post to inhibit pivoting of the barrier about the post. Other bracket profiles can be used to enhance the barrier's protective advantages.

Abstract: A luggage compartment storage device for moving a heavy item from a low easy access point to a high storage surface. A base frame is rigidly mounted to the high storage surface. A slide is connected to the base frame. A sliding frame is connected to the slide. Rear swing arms and front swing arms are pivotally connected to the sliding frame. A damper is connected between the rear swing arms and the sliding frame. A platform support frame is pivotally connected to the front swing arms and the rear swing arms. A platform is supported by the platform support frame. A pull down handle is pivotally connected to the front swing arms. The position of the pull down handle is lockable. A locking device is used for locking the platform support frame in place when the platform is at the high storage surface. The user manipulates the pull down handle to move the heavy item between the high storage surface and the low easy access point.

Abstract: An easy to use and compact wheelchair lift device that can be quickly and easily installed to load a wheelchair into the trunk of a vehicle. A representative lift is designed such that the wheelchair may be loaded properly and completely without the lift or the wheelchair striking the vehicle. The representative lift is also designed to reduce back strain on an operator by precluding the need to lift the wheelchair. In one embodiment, the wheelchair lift comprises a base frame that may be installed in the trunk of an automobile, a wheelchair platform configured to hold a wheelchair, a sliding frame configured to slide the wheelchair platform to or from the trunk of a vehicle, and a pivoting lift mechanism configured to raise or lower the wheelchair platform to or from the ground.

Abstract: The instant invention is a containerized freight system that is comprised in combination of a specialized container, a lift mechanism and a transportation unit or vehicle mounted lifting and transporting system of individual specialized cargo containers. The system allows delivery of specialized cargo container virtually anywhere for loading, unloading, storage and retrieval by the transportation unit. The lifting unit is unique in that leg members engage the bottom channel of the specialized container it will raise and lower the unit while keeping the container and its contents in a vertical plane preventing the shifting of the contents within the container. The system also includes a specially equipped trailer that has a bed that lowers to ground level to facilitate loading and unloading of containers. This trailer is capable of hauling at least one container.

Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.

Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.

Abstract: A cargo loading and unloading system mounts to a vehicle's flat surface and is contained within the vehicle's constraints. The system includes a rolling platform attached to a tilting frame, which in turn pivots on top of a sliding extension frame, which in turn extends from a base frame. The extension frame is pushed toward the vehicle's rear. As the extension frame moves rearward, a tilt initiator lifts one end of the tilting frame from the flat surface, initiating tilting. The tilting frame continues to pivot upward about the vehicle's rear. The cargo platform rolls out or down to a loading or unloading surface. Once cargo is loaded or unloaded, the platform is raised back onto the tilting frame. The tilting frame pivots downwards towards the flat surface and lands on the extension frame. The extension frame is pulled back into the base frame.

Abstract: An adjustable height jib is disclosed for an arm of a hook-lift hoist for loading of equipment, containers or the like onto a truck for transport. The jib has an elongate body with a hook located on each of its opposing end portions. The jib is mounted on the arm for pivotal movement between a first position for loading containers of a first height and a second position for loading containers of a second height. A lock secures the jib in either position. A feature of the adjustable height jib is that, upon release of the lock, it will pivot between a longer position as the hook-lift hoist is operated toward the loading position and a shorter position as the hook lift hoist is operated toward the transport position.

Abstract: In a loading platform system for mounting on vehicles, particularly trucks, comprising at least one lift support arrangement consisting of two essentially parallel spaced support structures, an essentially plate-like loading platform for lifting and lowering a load, at least one lift actuator for lifting and lowering the loading platform and a slide unit, which is movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and mountable on the vehicle and on which at least the lift support arrangement, the loading platform and the lift actuator are mounted. The slide unit is adapted to be mounted on the support frame of the vehicle by transverse frame members, which are fitted to the spacing of the vehicle support frame members and include means at their ends for mounting them to the vehicle support frame members.

Abstract: A retractable tail-lift for a vehicle comprises a lifting mechanism (30) for lifting and lowering a platform (50), and guiding rails (21) in which the lifting mechanism (30) with one vertical carriage (32) each is suspended and can be slidably displaced between a working position located behind the vehicle and a travelling position located below the vehicle, wherein each carriage (32) has a front guiding element (40a) with an upper sliding member (42a) and rear guiding element (40b) with a lower sliding member (42b). The front guiding element (40a) is attached from above onto the carriage (32) and is arrested on the carriage (32) at right angles to the direction of attachment, and the rear guiding element (40b) is attached from below onto the carriage (32) in an opening (32.3) of the carriage (32) and is arrested on the carriage (32) at right angles to the direction of attachment.

Abstract: A device adapted to operably engage a vehicle to load and unload a container between the vehicle and a surface, and to cooperate with the vehicle to transport the container, is provided. Such a device includes a pair of laterally separated horizontal lifting members configured to be vertically movable with respect to the vehicle and a vertically-movable member operably engaged with the forward ends of the lifting members. A tether is operably engaged between each lifting member and the container so as to secure the container thereto. A translatory device is engaged between the vehicle and the vertically-movable member and configured to support the lifting members as well as move the lifting members longitudinally with respect to the vehicle. To unload the container, the vertically-movable member and the lifting members raise the container above the vehicle and then the translatory device longitudinally moves the container along the vehicle past a vertical plane defined by the rearward end thereof.

Abstract: A device adapted to operably engage a vehicle to load and unload a container between the vehicle and a surface, and to cooperate with the vehicle to transport the container, is provided. Such a device includes a pair of laterally separated horizontal lifting members configured to be vertically movable with respect to the vehicle and a vertically-movable member operably engaged with the forward ends of the lifting members. A tether is operably engaged between each lifting member and the container so as to secure the container thereto. A translatory device is engaged between the vehicle and the vertically-movable member and configured to support the lifting members as well as move the lifting members longitudinally with respect to the vehicle. To unload the container, the vertically-movable member and the lifting members raise the container above the vehicle and then the translatory device longitudinally moves the container along the vehicle past a vertical plane defined by the rearward end thereof.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated lifting and transferring apparatus designed to facilitate the lifting and transfer process of a disabled person into and out of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having a vertical or semi-vertical electric or hydraulic extension arm, a mounting apparatus, a seat belt interlock system or foldaway safety arm, a support member along a plane having a horizontal component with option to pivot from its end point from a horizontal to a substantially vertical axis, and a seat surface with locking device pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis.

Abstract: A device adapted to operably engage a vehicle to load and unload a container between the vehicle and a surface, and to cooperate with the vehicle to transport the container, is provided. Such a device includes a pair of laterally separated horizontal lifting members configured to be vertically movable with respect to the vehicle and a vertically-movable member operably engaged with the forward ends of the lifting members. A tether is operably engaged between each lifting member and the container so as to secure the container thereto. A translatory device is engaged between the vehicle and the vertically-movable member and configured to support the lifting members as well as move the lifting members longitudinally with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) having a frame attachable to a vehicle having a floor is disclosed. The ramp assembly further includes a platform coupled to a portion of the frame, a ramp having a weight, and a reciprocating mechanism disposed between the ramp and the platform coupled to a portion of the frame. The ramp assembly also includes a reciprocating mechanism disposed between the ramp and the platform for reciprocating the ramp between a deployed position and a stowed position in response to a load. The reciprocating mechanism counterbalancing the weight of the ramp during actuation of the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions to reduce the load required to reciprocate the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions.

Abstract: An underfloor lift assembly (1) includes a saddle member (3) fully mounted in an underfloor cavity (3a) and adapted slidably to receive a stowage box (4). The stowage box (4) provides a further location for a lifting mechanism (5), in a stowed condition. In use, the lifting mechanism (5) is extended in a telescopic manner from the stowage box (4). Concomitantly, the stowage box (4) is extended in a telescopic manner from the saddle member (3).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an elevating lift for raising and lowering a load (such as a sensor suite) onboard a vehicle, such as a Humvee, which can allow for the transport of the vehicle in a standard transport without removal of the sensor suite from the vehicle, and can provide for a more stable support for the load than is available from a traditional mast. The elevating lift may also able to maintain the load in a parallel position as it is raised, and may be able to lock in a intermediate position where the sensor suite can be used while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: Transfer machine, intended for transferring loads (K), especially containers, wherein the transfer machine comprises a frame (R) equipped with a wheelwork (P); a horizontal support plane (1) located in connection with the frame (R) for supporting the load (K) during the transfer, and a vertical transfer apparatus (S) for lifting the load (K) on the support of the support plane (1) and off the support of the support plane (1), wherein the vertical transfer apparatus (S) is arranged to lift and lower loads (K) from the side of the transfer machine and thereby from the side of the support plane (1). The vertical transfer apparatus (S) of the transfer machine is placed in connection with the frame (R) on the first side of the support plane (1), and the vertical transfer apparatus (S) is arranged to reach over the support plane when lifting or lowering the load (K), in order to move the load (K) onto the support plane (1) or off the support plane (1) from the second side of the support plane (1).

Abstract: An assist mechanism for loading and unloading irregularly shaped cargo, such as for example, containers of compressed gas, includes a frame assembly and a handling assembly slidably engageable and movable with respect to the frame assembly. The handling assembly is movable along at least two axes to facilitate loading and unloading cargo, and includes a slide assembly having a powered pivotable support arm, a cuff assembly pivotably attached to the support arm, and optionally a handle assembly attached to the cuff assembly.

Abstract: A system for handling portable diagnostic equipment. The system includes a powered equipment lift sized and shaped to fit in an overland vehicle. A hooking mechanism is coupled to the bottom of the equipment lift and a portable cart is hooked to the hooking mechanism. The hooking mechanism includes an attachment tube coupled to the bottom of the equipment lift and a pivot bar is inserted through the attachment tube and freely rotatable within it. One or more hooks are coupled to the pivot bar, in one embodiment, one on each end. The hooks are designed to hold a portable workstation cart. The cart has a base platform with a plurality of wheels. In addition to acting as a shelf for heavy equipment, the main platform also supports a vertical frame. The vertical frame has two upstanding arms and supports a second shelf which is designed to accommodate medical equipment. Positioned above the second shelf is a second frame with a flip-out tray.

Abstract: A slidable load lift apparatus is selectively completely retractable into the bed of a standard pickup truck. The load lift apparatus includes a base frame member attached to the pickup truck bed, the base frame member supporting a substantially planar roller platform member slidably engaged with the base frame member. The base frame member includes a pair of elongate rail members extending in parallel along a first longitudinal axis and adapted to engage a set of roller wheels provided on the bottom of the roller platform member. A substantially planar lift platform member is operatively connected to the roller platform member through a set of parallelogram linkages which permit the lift platform to be moved between a raised position coplanar with the roller platform member and a lowered position out of the plane of the roller member for convenient loading of the lift platform at ground level.

Abstract: A vehicle-based equipment handling device is constructed by installing tracks into the vehicle along which a carriage slides. A yoke is attached to the carriage at pivot points and is caused to pivot by the action of an extension cylinder. The yoke engages the equipment at its approximate center of gravity to allow easier positioning of the equipment. When the yoke has been actuated by the piston to lift the equipment, the carriage slides along the tracks to load the equipment into the vehicle. One particularly useful application of the equipment handling device is as a loading and unloading device for a portable x-ray machine.

Abstract: A loading device mounted to a collection vehicle is disclosed. The loading device may comprise several embodiments for scooping a soft-sided object through either a horizontal or vertical plane. The loading device is attached to a mechanized arm for compound angular displacement and operable between a stowed, extended, lift, and dump positions. A swivel mount interconnects the mechanized arm to the collection vehicle and further compounds the angular displacement and operating positions of the loading device.

Abstract: A side loading refuse collection vehicle having a carriage slidably mounted on a track and pivotally carrying a lift arm assembly including refuse container grabbing and dumping apparatus for grabbing a refuse container, lifting it and dumping it into the body of the vehicle includes a keeper plate secured to the carriage and a detent latch pivotally mounted on the frame for seizing and holding the keeper selectively. The carriage is slidably driven by a hydraulic cylinder assembly to extend and retract the carriage relative to the vehicle, and whenever the hydraulic cylinder assembly is actuated by an operator control switch the latch disengages from the keeper. When the hydraulic cylinder assembly is not actuated, the latch engages and holds the keeper and thereby prevents the lift arm from being flung outwardly in the event of a failure in the hydraulic cylinder assembly system.

Abstract: A loading device for containers comprises a pair of like loading units to be mounted on a vehicle frame having a longitudinally extending center axis.

Abstract: A cargo handling device for use in an overland vehicle. The cargo handling device includes a base frame which is capable of being mounted on the floor of the overland vehicle. A pair of extension members is individually borne by the base members and moveable along a predetermined path of travel from a first, stowed position, to a second, deployed position. A vertical lift is connected to each of the individual extension members at a single pivot point on each respective extension member. The lift can move from a first position, where the it is disposed in a substantially horizontal position, to a second position, where the it is disposed in a substantially vertical position. The vertical lift includes one or more longitudinally positioned tracks and an actuator having a first portion which is mounted to the lift and a second portion. A cargo support assembly is slidably engaged with the one or more tracks and connected to the second portion of the actuator.

Abstract: A seat lift mechanism in an automotive vehicle incorporates a swivel base mounted on a stationary base secured to a compartment floor of the vehicle for rotation about a vertical axis so as to be moved between a forward-facing position where the front side of the swivel base is oriented to the front of the vehicle, and a sideways position where the front side of the swivel base is opposed to a side door opening of the vehicle. A frame is supported on the swivel base for rotation therewith and a lift rack provided thereon with a passenger seat is mounted on the frame. The lift rack is connected to the frame by means of a link mechanism in such a manner that when the swivel base is retained in the sideways position, the lift rack and seat are movable from a first position on the frame to a second position close to the ground where the seating surface of the seat is maintained at an inclined angle.

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

Abstract: An improved, self-propelled fork lift having a variable wheelbase, a tilting and leveraged platform, and a translating fork carriage, all under hydraulic control, to permit load positioning for maximum stability, minimum turning radius, and good tractive force despite a relatively low ratio of vehicle weight to loaded condition. The improved fork lift is towable at highway speeds and is collapsible for mounting beneath the mid section of a semi trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle lift, as for wheelchairs, incorporates a horizontally disposed load platform pivotally affixed to a laterally spaced-apart parallelogram elevating frame which is in turn pivotally affixed to a carriage, allowing a composite travelling assembly (platform, elevating frame and carriage) to be stowed in a mounting enclosure. A hydraulic ram actuates the parallelogram elevating frame mechanisms to position the platform at different terminal positions. At the stowing level, a pair of laterally spaced-apart rack-and-pinion mechanisms actuate the aligned platform, elevating frame and carriage inboard, on laterally opposed guide rails to be stowed in a mounting enclosure. A roll stop mechanism is affixed to the outboard end of the platform and is automatically actuated to move from a ramp position at ground level to a vertical safety stop position when the platform is elevated.

Abstract: A multiple-purpose utility vehicle has a working boom which is displaceably guided on a guide rail by a supporting carriage in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The guide rail is arranged at the side of the driver's cabin and integrated within the vehicle. The working boom is supported on the supporting carriage pivotably by more than 240.degree. so that a tool arranged at its end can be pivoted forward of the driver's cabin or backward of the driver's cabin. In all its positions the working tool is easy to be seen by the driver.

Abstract: A lift for attachment to a vehicle for moving mobility-impaired passengers between lowered and raised positions for entry and exit. A platform (27) is affixed to an unequal modified parallelogram structure (20), the combination being supported on movable rails (40,41) and carried by rollers (90, 91) for movement by an electric motor (52) between extended and retracted positions in relation to the vehicle. The rails (89) may define a curved portion (89b) to change orientation of the platform combination for storage to an inclined position. The unequal modified parallelogram structure (20) is actuated by a hydraulic ram (34) acting through pivot plates (17, 18) on a common transverse axis (34a) with the upper members of the parallelogram structure (20) to raise and lower the platform (27) so as to incline slightly downward when raised and slightly upward when lowered. The platform may be sectioned with a pivoted part affording a step for the vehicle.

Abstract: An automated trash management system for remotely measuring the fullness of a plurality of trash containers is disclosed. Each container is provided with a remote sensing unit for generating a signal proportional to a characteristic of the container by which the extent of fullness of the container may be determined. A transmission linkage, typically a telephone line, is provided from each remote sensing unit to a central unit, where a data base of the signals transmitted from a particular trash container may be stored and analyzed. A hauler is called from the central unit location by a user after a determination from the data base that a particular trash container is in a condition of fullness warranting emptying.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a vehicle, such as a tour bus, having an elevated seating area and a compartment beneath the seating area. The lift includes a carriage (38) movable into and out of the compartment, a platform (56, 58) on the carriage, and a powered linkage (66, 76, 78) for raising and lowering the platform. The lift also includes stow latch mechanism (200) for securing the platform in the stowed position, and a door interlock system (300) for preventing the vehicle door above the lift from being opened except when the lift is positioned at or near the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A street sweeper which includes a frame, a hopper, a cab and a centrifugal separator on opposite sides of the hopper, a mechanism for moving the hopper from a position behind the cab to a position above and forward of the cab for dumping debris from the hopper, the hopper moving mechanism including a pair of first and second relatively extendable and retractable members, each of the first members being connected to the hopper and each of the second members being connected to the frame, a rotator carrying a slider, and a mechanism for pivoting each rotator which through its associated slider elevates the extendable and retractable members to permit movement of the hopper above and along the cab.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift, for tour buses or any bus having an elevated seating area providing room for a compartment beneath the seating area, includes a carriage movable into and out of the compartment. A platform on the carriage is formed by rotating a movable part with respect to a fixed part. A powered linkage between the carriage and the platform raises and lowers the platform. Safety devices such as barriers and handrails are provided.

Abstract: A device for loading and unloading a wheelchair into and out of a motor vehicle, consisting of a horizontal carriage track mounted transversely on the floor of the vehicle and extending the length of the compartment behind the front seat. A carriage block is slideably engaged with the carriage track and connected to a motor-actuated screw drive that causes it to slide along the track on command. An arm with a wheel-support track assembly conforming to the front wheels of a standard wheelchair is pivotally attached to the carriage block and can be extended to the outside of the vehicle to receive the folded wheelchair and move it in and out of the vehicle as the arm is retracted or extended as a result of the carriage block sliding across the track. The device is controlled by a single switch operable from the driver's seat.

Abstract: An electrical winch mounted to a drawbar having at one end a receptacle and at the other end a stub. The winch drawbar can be connected between a vehicle hitch and a ball-type hitch member which is then adapted for supporting pulling and downward loads. A trailer can be connected to the ball so that the winch can be utilized to pull loads onto the trailer. Because the winch is load bearing, the loaded trailer can be repositioned or towed at low speeds, via the winch, by the vehicle. Front and rear-mounted hitches allow the winch to be releasably attached thereto for self recovery of the vehicle from either direction.

Abstract: An automated trash management system for remotely measuring the fullness of a plurality of trash containers is disclosed. Each container is provided with a remote sensing unit for generating a signal proportional to a characteristic of the container by which the extent of fullness of the container may be determined. A transmission linkage, typically a telephone line, is provided from each remote sensing unit to a central unit, where a data base of the signals transmitted from a particular trash container may be stored and analyzed. A hauler is called from the central unit location by a user after a determination from the data base that a particular trash container is in a condition of fullness warranting emptying.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted load hoisting device includes a pivot frame mounted on the vehicle for pivotal motion about a first horizontal axis extending transversely to the vehicle length; a cantilever arm connected to the pivot frame for pivotal motion about a second horizontal axis extending parallel to the first axis; a pivot arm articulated to the cantilever arm for pivotal motion about a third axis oriented parallel to the first and second axes; a pulley mounted at an end of the pivot arm for supporting a cable or the like wound on a winch and attachable to the load; and an arrangement for locking the cantilever arm and the pivot frame together to form a rigid unit pivotal about the first axis. When forming the rigid unit, the cantilever arm is in contact with a stop face on the pivot frame and extends as a longitudinally aligned continuation of the cantilever arm.

Abstract: A retractable arm assembly (10) suitable for use on a refuse vehicle for loading refuse comprises a first arm (11) and second arm (12) pivotally connected to each other and the vehicle so as to extend and retract substantially tranversely of the vehicle to engage a bin (56) and in a reciprocating motion empty the bin into a hopper on the vehicle. A guide in the form of a guide rail (27) located in a guideway (35), stabilizes the arm assembly (10). The arm assembly (10) is under hydraulic control and can be operated by a single operator from within the vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A carriage conveying apparatus has a loaded carriage to be conveyed, and a driving vehicle for coupling, towing and conveying the carriage from below the carriage. Since the vertical load of the carriage is transmitted to the driving vehicle, controlled to a proper magnitude, the driving vehicle may be reduced in size and weight, and it is also possible to have stable travel if the carriage is empty. By designing all three wheels so as to be driven and steered, sideways and spin-turn motions are realized. By providing recognition marks and detecting means, it is possible to position the driving vehicle accurately if the setting position of the carriage deviates.

Abstract: Arrangement for a lift adapted to a motor vehicle, comprising a lifting platform capable of moving between the vehicle and a floor. The invention provides a simple device for achieving a reliable and efficient lift arrangement, for example, for use by individuals in wheelchairs who wish to move between the inside and the outside of a vehicle without the help of an assistant, and without additional ramp or lift arrangements. The platform is attached via a scissor mechanism to a source of power for the platform, so that the platform, upon actuation of the power source, moves between a lower and an upper position, one of which at least is situated at a different level with respect to that of the attachment of the scissor mechanism to the source of power.