Vehicle With Load-receiving Portion And Means For Relocating A Load Therealong Or Therewithin Patents (Class 414/679)
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Patent number: 11724633Abstract: Package sorting systems and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example system includes a platform of a vehicle, where the platform is arranged as a grid having a plurality of slots (including an open slot and a target slot). A plurality of slabs can be placed into the grid except for in the open slot. A slab moving assembly is used to move the slabs in order to place a selected slab into the target slot on the platform.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marcos Perez, David Mondragon, Juan Pablo Jimenez, Marco A Martinez victoria, Rodrigo Vicencio, Jose Adan Cortina
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Patent number: 11691812Abstract: A fully-electric lift assembly for a refuse vehicle includes a track, a carrier, and a push chain. The track includes multiple channels that extend along an entire length of a path of the track. The carrier is configured to translate along the path of the track. The carrier includes multiple slidable members, each slidable member configured to engage the track at a corresponding one of the channels. The push chain is configured to couple with the carrier at a first end and be driven by an electric motor. The push chain is configured to exert a pushing force on the carrier to drive the carrier to ascend along the track.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Oshkosh CorporationInventors: Wallace Buege, Martin Schimke, Joshua D. Rocholl, Jerrod Kappers, Andrew Kotloski
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Patent number: 11325517Abstract: A tailgate apparatus for a dump body is described herein. The dump body includes a floor, a front wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the floor and two opposing side walls coupled to and extending upwardly from the floor. Each side wall is coupled to the front wall. The two side walls define an opening at a rear end of the floor. The tailgate apparatus includes a tailgate sized to cover the opening and two opposed side arms extending from the tailgate towards the front wall. Each side arm is pivotally coupled to a respective one of the side walls. The tailgate apparatus also includes a pair of linkages for linking the side arms to the side walls. The linkages enable the tailgate to pivot between a closed position where the tailgate covers the opening and an open position where the tailgate is positioned closer to the front wall than the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: BEARCLAW EQUIP INC.Inventors: Elwin Bearinger, Darrell Shartner
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Patent number: 11299343Abstract: A refuse hopper is disclosed which may be mounted in the bed of a pick-up truck, a flat-bed truck or on a trailer. The refuse hopper includes a horizontally disposed support frame having a rear end, a front end, a first side and a second side. A hopper is pivotally mounted on the support frame and has a front end, a rear end, a front side and a second side. The refuse hopper is selectively movable between a horizontally disposed loading position and a dumping position. A compactor plate is pivotally mounted to the hopper and is movable between an upwardly extending loading position to a refuse packing position within the hopper. The hopper has a volume of about 2-4.5 cubic yards.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Broyhill, Inc.Inventors: Cory A. Vaselaar, Craig G. Broyhill
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Patent number: 10981722Abstract: A refuse hopper is disclosed which may be mounted in the bed of a pick-up truck, a flat-bed truck or on a trailer. The refuse hopper includes a horizontally disposed support frame having a rear end, a front end, a first side and a second side. A hopper is pivotally mounted on the support frame and has a front end, a rear end, a front side and a second side. The refuse hopper is selectively movable between a horizontally disposed loading position and a dumping position. A compactor plate is pivotally mounted to the hopper and is movable between an upwardly extending loading position to a refuse packing position within the hopper. The hopper has a volume of about 2-4.5 cubic yards.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: BROYHILL, INC.Inventors: Cory A. Vaselaar, Craig G. Broyhill
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Patent number: 10974896Abstract: A refuse hopper is disclosed which may be mounted in the bed of a pick-up truck, a flat-bed truck or on a trailer. The refuse hopper includes a horizontally disposed support frame having a rear end, a front end, a first side and a second side. A hopper is pivotally mounted on the support frame and has a front end, a rear end, a front side and a second side. The refuse hopper is selectively movable between a horizontally disposed loading position and a dumping position. A compactor plate is pivotally mounted to the hopper and is movable between an upwardly extending loading position to a refuse packing position within the hopper. The hopper has a volume of about four cubic yards.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: BROYHILL, INC.Inventor: Cory A. Vaselaar
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Patent number: 10321632Abstract: A crop-package transfer system has a flexible member supported by a support frame and is configured to support a crop package on a first side of the flexible member. A motive member is disposed on a second side of the flexible member. An actuator device is configured to move the motive member along the second side of the flexible member, such that the motive member transmits motive force from the actuator device to the crop package via the flexible member.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Austin J. Jones, Henry D. Anstey, Jeremy M. Erdmann
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Patent number: 9199699Abstract: An apparatus is provided for stowing, launching and recovering an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) on a boat bull, such as applicable to a small unit riverine craft (SURC) in water. The apparatus includes a frame for removably attaching to the hull, a lifter, a hinge, and a boom. The frame includes lateral brackets connected together by transverse braces, and attaches to the hull at cushions. The lifter connects to the frame for elevating the USV between upper and lower positions. The hinge connects to the lifter for pivoting the USV between vertical and horizontal orientations. The boom connects to the hinge for docking and releasing the USV. The USV is stowed in the vertical orientation and the upper position. The USV deploys into the water in the horizontal orientation and the lower position.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Steven E. Anderson
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Patent number: 9056572Abstract: An apparatus for placing and retrieving traffic devices in an efficient manner and with improved safety features is disclosed. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use with traffic barrels and other large items needed to block off roadway construction areas. The apparatus is also suitable for use with existing trucks, reducing the need to purchase expensive and complicated equipment, and may be adapted to allow traffic devices to be placed or retrieved from either side of the truck. The time required for placing traffic devices and the safety of operators is improved with use of the apparatus according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: NORTH TEXAS TOLLWAY AUTHORITYInventors: Eric Hemphill, John Davis
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Publication number: 20150104282Abstract: An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot including a drive section assembly having at least one motor and a pair of drive wheels coupled to the motor, a frame configured to support a payload, a transfer arm connected to the frame and configured for the autonomous transfer of payload to and from the frame, and a suspension system movably connecting the drive section assembly and the frame allowing relative movement between the frame and the drive section assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Stephen C. Toebes, Robert Sullivan
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Patent number: 8939402Abstract: Different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus to increase a clearance of a cargo area of an aircraft. The apparatus and method may comprise an aircraft with a cargo area. A tray system may have a plurality of segment trays with each segment tray positioned between a plurality of floor beams located underneath a surface of the floor of the cargo area. A plurality of rollers in the tray system may be configured to allow an object to be moved across the cargo area.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Sergey D. Barmichev, Harry Wilbert Slusher, Gary Peter Seagrave
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Patent number: 8905702Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Inland Pipe Rehabilitation, LLCInventor: Allan Ray Jedneak
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Publication number: 20140314536Abstract: An article handling apparatus including a frame adapted to receive the article on a support means; a plurality of wheels attached to said frame for movement of said frame over a substrate surface; and retaining arms operatively coupled to the frame and adapted to releasably secure the article to the frame. The secured article is movable in a controlled manner with respect to the frame by movement of the support means and the retaining arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Robert Ian Hedley, Christopher Nash Whybin
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Publication number: 20140271066Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle includes a first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit, and a main actuator. The first hydraulic circuit includes a first pump having a flow outlet; a first pressure line having a pump end coupled to the flow outlet of the first pump; and a first load sensing line having a pump end coupled to the first pump and a pressure end coupled to the first pressure line. The second hydraulic circuit includes a second pump having a flow outlet; a second pressure line having a pump end coupled to the flow outlet of the second pump; and a second load sensing line having a pump end coupled to the second pump and a pressure end coupled to the second pressure line. The main actuator is coupled to the first pressure line and the second pressure line and is configured to oppose a load force. The first load sensing line is separate from the second load sensing line such that the first pump and the second pump respond independently to the load force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: OSHKOSH CORPORATIONInventor: Yanming Hou
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Publication number: 20130322998Abstract: A load handling apparatus for handling goods in a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support adapted to support a platform having goods located thereon and the support is adapted to be mounted to the interior of the vehicle and to be moveable between a loading position and a transport position while supporting the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: Thomas Peter Dibdin
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Patent number: 8561946Abstract: Different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus to increase a clearance of a cargo area of an aircraft. The apparatus and method may comprise an aircraft with a cargo area. A tray system may have a plurality of segment trays with each segment tray positioned between a plurality of floor beams located underneath a surface of the floor of the cargo area. A plurality of rollers in the tray system may be configured to allow an object to be moved across the cargo area.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Sergey D. Barmichev, Harry Wilbert Slusher, Gary Peter Seagrave
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Patent number: 8408861Abstract: A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Blaine K. Rawdon, Zachary C. Hoisington
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Patent number: 8313278Abstract: A removable, modular, cargo deck trailer system may include different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units which are configured to be removably and interchangeably attached to a trailer. The different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units may collectively include a plurality of moving apparatus for moving cargo in a lengthwise direction relative to the deck units, for moving cargo in a vertical direction relative to the deck units, and for moving cargo in at least one of a widthwise direction relative to the deck units, and in a rotating direction relative to the deck units.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John B. Simmons, Anibal J. Garcia, Michael Patterson Johnson
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Patent number: 8200363Abstract: A trailer (10) or container (11) includes a frame (12) having a central axis (14) spaced between rear wheels. A plurality of storage supports (20) are supported on the trailer frame, with each storage support supporting a plurality of objects thereon. A carousel (24) rotates the plurality of storage supports, and a powered drive rotates the carousel. The system includes a storage location signal, a vehicle location signal, and a door closed signal which are each input to a controller (90) for controlling rotation of the carousel, so that goods to be unloaded are on a support which is rotated to an unloading position.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventor: Mark Cook
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Patent number: 7997845Abstract: A sheet handling device for handling large sheets of glass or other sheet material, the device comprising a wheeled trolley having an upright support shaft (2), a carriage movable along the shaft (2) into a selected position, and at least two vacuum grips mounted to the carriage to engage the sheet at positions displaced in the height direction of the sheet. In another embodiment the carriage is movable by operation of a winch. The trolley is normally used in conjunction with a second like trolley so that the vacuum grips of the two trolleys engage the sheet at spaced positions along the length of the sheet. The two trolleys are preferably interconnected by releasable bracing which can be stored on the trolleys for ease of transportation. In a further embodiment there is also disclosed a glass installation guide to facilitate guidance of a large glass sheet into a frame during installation.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Quantum Workhealth Programmes Pty, Ltd.Inventor: Ricardo Carlei
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Patent number: 7940023Abstract: A geometric end effector system for use on a robot. The system includes a platform and a frame secured to the platform. At least one base is arranged at a predetermined position on the frame. The system also has an anchor mount secured to the base and a component connected to an end of the anchor mount by a collar assembly. A key is arranged between the component and the anchor mount.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: Jason M. Kniss, Michael J. Goff, Jerry Berendt, Ron Micallef
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Patent number: 7802958Abstract: The invention relates to versatile cargo trailer decks, and to methods for moving cargo onto such cargo trailer decks. In embodiment, a cargo trailer deck may have first and second moving apparatus attached to a deck member. The first moving apparatus may be adapted to move cargo between the back end of the deck member and the front end of the deck member, while the second moving apparatus may be adapted to rotate cargo from one orientation on the deck member to a second orientation on the deck member. The deck member may be adapted to move in backward, forward, left, right, vertical, and tilt directions, in order to align the deck member for loading and/or unloading cargo.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Anibal Garcia, Myles Rohrlick, Thomas Reiner, Genevieve Gaspar
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Publication number: 20100226743Abstract: A mobile storage unit for a mobile storage system includes a pair of axially extending wheel units, each of which defines spaced apart end areas and includes a wheel arrangement. A storage unit support structure is interconnected with the wheel units, and includes upright support members and shelf support members. A pair of upright support members are engaged with and supported by the end areas of each wheel unit. A lowermost shelf support member is secured to an end area of one of the wheel units. The lowermost shelf support members are secured to the upright support members and to the end areas of the wheel units. Each end area of each wheel unit includes an upwardly facing engagement surface, and the lowermost shelf support member is secured to the upwardly facing engagement surface. The upright support members are also supported by the upwardly facing engagement surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventor: James C. Muth
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Patent number: 7735781Abstract: A system for in-air deployment of objects utilizes an aircraft having a hatch that can be opened while the aircraft is in mid-flight. An air and pressure tight container stowed within the aircraft has a doorway that is sealed to and about the hatch from within the aircraft. Mounted within the container is an expulsion system for expelling objects from the container through its doorway and the aircraft's hatch. The container may be coupled and sealed to other containers to define a contiguous volume for storing the objects and allowing movement of the objects between containers.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Elan Moritz, Helmut Portmann
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Patent number: 7645110Abstract: A moving robot includes a first arm portion is coupled to a first joint on a side portion of a main robot body. The first arm portion has concave portion with an opening. A folding mechanism is accommodated in the concave portion. In the folding mechanism, a second arm portion is connected to the first arm via a second joint portion. A third arm portion is also connected to the second arm portion via a third joint portion. The first arm portion is rotated around the first joint to orient the opening in an upper direction. The second joint portion can be slid along the concave portion to take out the folding mechanism through the opening. The third arm portion can be rotated around the third joint portion to extend the third arm portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Tama Art UniversityInventors: Hideki Ogawa, Nobuto Matsuhira, Junko Hirokawa, Toshiyuki Koga, Manabu Nishiyama, Takaki Inazumi, Teppei Nakamura, Rikako Bekku
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Patent number: 7604204Abstract: A loading device 1 for loading and unloading of a cargo hold having at least one conveying system for positioning cargo units in the area of a floor space of the cargo hold, and with at least one guiding element guiding the conveying, and a movement aid in the area of the floor space 11 of the cargo hold 5 enabling rotation and movement of the cargo unit. Sensors detect the presence of a cargo unit in the area of the conveying system without contact the position of a cargo unit on the floor space is determined in at least two spatial dimensions without contact. The sensors make it possible to control rotating movements of the cargo units in the area of the respective conveying systems by a controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Ruediger Jacobsen, Thomas Vogel
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Publication number: 20090252585Abstract: Prior to the invention of the hydraulic Power Bed Slide, the only forms of cargo bed slides available were manually operated. You were limited on the amount of weight the slide could hold, the slide could not be operated if cargo was on an incline and locking mechanisms were limited to the manufactures preset locations. Having an all steel, hydraulic powered bed slide allows for a much greater weight capacity, capability of moving cargo on any incline and infinite locking positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventor: James M. Plaganis
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Publication number: 20090245991Abstract: A trailer 10 includes a frame (12) having a central axis (14) spaced between rear wheels. A plurality of storage supports or bins (20) are supported on the trailer frame, with each storage support supporting a plurality of objects thereon. A carriage assembly (24) rotates the plurality of storage supports. A powered drive (110) rotates the carriage assembly, and a powered brake (112) prohibits rotation of the carriage assembly when power is not applied to the motor. During rotation of the storage supports, a lower portion of a storage support rotates below the rear wheel axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventor: Mark Cook
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Patent number: 7563065Abstract: A system for transporting and maintaining a storage container is shown and described. The system comprises a vehicle including a frame capable of receiving a storage container. The system also includes a winch, a container-conveyor, and a lift. The storage container is sized for being removably received by the frame and includes a winch-interface, a container-conveyor-interface, and a lift-interface.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Inventor: Evron Ray Bennett
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Patent number: 7534082Abstract: A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Blaine K. Rawdon, Zachary C. Hoisington
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Publication number: 20090116946Abstract: A release mechanism for use with an explosives disposal robot having an elongated boom includes a latch member secured to an outer end of the boom, the latch member having a fixed portion and movable latch or lever members. A flexible strap extends between the lever members, with one end being attached to one of the lever members and the other end being releasably attached to the other lever member. When the other lever member is moved to a release position the other end of the strap falls from the other lever member so as to release, for example, a firing line cradled in the strap. The one lever member can be actuated by way of a remote controlled solenoid connected thereto via a flexible cable or by way of an elastic member connected thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2006Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Solicitor General of CanadaInventor: Joseph Michael Donald Chenel
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Publication number: 20090022575Abstract: An article storing apparatus is adapted to store an article transported by a carriage traveling along a traveling rail provided on a ceiling while being suspended. A storage space is provided above the ceiling. A rack is disposed in the storage space and adapted to store the article. A loader/unloader is operable to load the article from the carriage to the rack, and to unload the article from the rack to the carriage. A hoist transporter is movable in a vertical direction through the ceiling to transport the article between an inside and an outside of the storage space, and operable to deliver the article to the carriage and receive the article from the carriage. A storage transporter is disposed in the storage space and movable between the hoist transporter and the rack, and operable to deliver the article to the rack and receive the article from the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventor: Kimihiro Tsuge
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Patent number: 7469782Abstract: A cargo conveyor for use in loading and unloading a cargo compartment comprises: a plurality of conveyor units for being disposed within the cargo compartment and for being temporarily arranged to support a loading or unloading conveyor path having a length that varies during a same loading or unloading operation, the conveyor path for being lengthened during the unloading operation and for being shortened during the loading operation, the plurality of conveyor units for being coupled with and decoupled from the conveyor path for lengthening the conveyor path during the unloading operation and for shortening the conveyor path during the loading operation, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Dew Engineering and Development LimitedInventor: Neil Hutton
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Patent number: 7467810Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a sensor having a sensing surface at an operational distance from a target surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes an upper frame and spaced apart parallel front and rear struts. The upper ends of the struts are connected to the upper frame. The lower ends of the struts are connected to the sensor. The front and rear struts pivot about the upper frame to move the sensor in response to an obstacle on the target surface, The sensor pivots about the lower ends of the front and rear struts to maintain the sensing surface in substantially parallel orientation to the target surface. The angle between the sensing surface and the front and rear struts is less than 90°.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Sensors & Software Inc.Inventor: Charles David Leggatt
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Patent number: 7427184Abstract: A system and method of lifting and transporting a boat. A boat carrier has a chassis supported by wheels and a boat-carrying frame. The boat-carrying frame includes a plurality of outwardly-extending frame members for securing a boat during transit of the carrier and at least one lift assembly mounted thereon. The lift assembly includes at least one vertically moveable lift assembly arm extending away from the boat-carrying frame beyond the outwardly-extending frame members. The lift assembly arm is moveable between a lowered position whereby a boat may be placed on the lift assembly arm and a raised position aligned with one of the outwardly-extending frame members. The boat is placed on the lift assembly arm in the lowered position from a point outward of the outwardly-extending frame members and lifted with the lift assembly arm to the raised assembly arm position aligned with one of the outwardly-extending frame members.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Vespoli, USAInventor: Michael Vespoli
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Patent number: 7419345Abstract: A large bale loading, hauling and stacking apparatus that mounts on a production truck chassis. Loading is accomplished with a centrally located bale clamping mechanism that picks up a bale, rotates it approximately 180 degrees and deposits it on a manipulator that can selectively reorient the bale for selective placement on a load rack. A stack of bales is thus formed on the load rack and later deposited in the field.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Edward H. Priepke
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Patent number: 7416378Abstract: A load lift control system for efficiently elevating and lowering a load placed upon a trailer. The load lift control system includes a control unit, an air bladder unit attached to a trailer and inflatable by the control unit and a support unit attached to an upper end of the air bladder unit, wherein the support unit elevates and lowers a load placed upon the support unit when the air bladder unit is inflated and deflated.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Inventor: Bill J. Adams
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Publication number: 20080175695Abstract: An object grasping assembly for use on a vehicle includes a fixed jaw assembly. A flexible strapping assembly includes a first distal end and a second distal end. The flexible strapping assembly is configured to be positioned about at least a portion of the periphery of an object to be grasped. An actuator assembly is configured to releasably affix the object to the fixed jaw assembly by releasably engaging at least one of the first and second distal ends and tensioning the flexible strapping assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: RICHARD D. HART, Brian T. Hart, Arthur A. Berube
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Publication number: 20080131249Abstract: An article transport facility includes an article transporting mobile body configured to move along a path and having an article holder; an article support for storing an article, the article support is configured to be moved between an article transfer position and an article storage position; a lock device provided on the article support to be switchable between a locking state for locking the article support in the article storage position, and an unlocking position for releasing the locking state; and an operating device provided on the mobile body for moving the article support and switching the lock device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.Inventors: Mitsuru Yoshida, Yoshitaka Inui
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Publication number: 20080111327Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device for a load. The transport device includes at least one device configured to alter the orientation of the load relative to at least a portion of the transport device. At least one sensor is adapted to detect if at least one of the following occurs: the portion of the load becomes substantially non-planar and the portion of the load becomes substantially non-level. Electrical components are in communication with the sensor and are adapted to adjust the at least one device such that the portion of the load maintains at least one of the substantial planarity and the substantial levelness.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: Rhodes Design and Development CorporationInventors: James Rhodes, Matthew Priddy, Aidan J. Bradley, Jeff Anderson, Gabriel T. Manville, Kevin T. Parent, Frank K. Weigand
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Publication number: 20080089769Abstract: A trailer 10 includes a frame (12) having a central axis (14) spaced between rear wheels. A plurality of storage supports (20) are supported on the trailer frame, with each storage support supporting a plurality of objects thereon. A carriage assembly (24) rotates the plurality of storage supports. A powered drive (110) rotates the carriage assembly, and a powered brake (112) prohibits rotation of the carriage assembly when power is not applied to the motor. The power restrictor (120) limits axial movement of a respective carriage support during transit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventor: Mark E. Cook
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Patent number: 7290777Abstract: A transportable device, such as a cart, for transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer may include a base platform, first and second elevation members disposed thereon, a panel disposed between the first and second elevation members, and first and second elevator platforms. The panel may include a pair of opposite vertical faces along which the elevator platforms slide to mutually exchange elevations by vertically sliding the platforms in opposite directions. The device may be used for a method of transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer at an installation height above a floor. Additionally, the device may be used for a method of removing and storing an imaging media cartridge from a press printer at an installation height above the floor.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Todd K. Preston, Richard A. Kalb, James J. Spence
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Patent number: 7114905Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that load goods into trailers. The apparatus facilitates the loading of goods into the trailer, and optimizes usage of storage space in the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Insulated Structures LimitedInventor: Peter Dibdin
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Patent number: 7014237Abstract: An apparatus for transporting caskets in a small van including upper and lower decks with the upper deck being movably mounted, with respect to the lower deck, from a lower position wherein the upper deck is adjacent the lower deck to an upper position wherein the upper deck is spaced above the lower deck so that both of the decks may support caskets or the like thereon. The apparatus includes rear supports or legs which are selectively longitudinally adjustably secured to horizontally extending beams so that the apparatus may be placed in vans having wheel housings extending into the cargo compartment thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Link Mfg., Ltd.Inventors: David L. Eekhoff, Joel D. Van Den Brink
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Patent number: 6997663Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for loading, unloading, and handling bales. A powered apparatus is configured to load bales, slide the bales from a loading mechanism to a rearward position on a platform, and unload the bales from the apparatus comprises a variety of mechanisms and control systems. Such mechanisms include a bale accumulating platform, a bale loading mechanism to pick up and deposit bales on the accumulating platform, a bale sliding mechanism, and a push-off or sliding mechanism to unload bales from the apparatus. The apparatus may be positioned in a variety of configurations and a chain tensioner mechanism is used to keep chains taut. The apparatus further comprises a control system that includes a computer device or controller, sensors and switches. The sensors and switches are configured to selectively provide input to the computer device or may be used independent of the computer device to control one or more mechanisms of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Pro Ag Designs (USA) Inc.Inventor: Charles Siebenga
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Patent number: 6932401Abstract: A casket transporter which is positioned in a vehicle and which is adapted to support a pair of caskets on a lower deck and a pair of caskets on an upper deck. The upper deck is movable from a transport position to a loading position.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Link Mfg., Ltd.Inventors: David L. Eekhoff, Joel D. Van Den Brink
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Patent number: 6814214Abstract: A pallet and conveyor system for loading pallets onto a transport vehicle is described. The conveyor system has a first and a second conveyor which positions the pallets between the conveyors and maintains the pallets in upright orientation. The conveyor defines an upper conveyance track and a lower conveyance track which may be placed on the bed of a transport truck. The pallets maintained in the conveyor system are easily loadable on the truck and can be captured without operator lifting by the conveyor system. The pallets may be forked from any direction and provide a stabilization device for maintaining the cargo within the pallets.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Mobil Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Jerry L. Warlow, Boris Fridman
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Deathcare apparatus for transporting multiple caskets, cots, stretchers, cremation trays or the like
Patent number: 6758648Abstract: A double-deck support suited for supporting and transporting multiple caskets, cots, stretchers, cremation trays or the like in a vehicle such as a van. A lower deck is secured to the floor of the vane and an upper deck is pivotally mounted above the lower deck and which may be moved between upper and lower positions with respect to the lower deck by means of a parallelogram-type connection controlled by electric actuators.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Link Mfg., Ltd.Inventors: David L. Eekhoff, Joel D. Van Den Brink -
Publication number: 20040086367Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural frame, supporting a movable saddle. The structural frame comprises a motion guidance system including at least one guide column secured to the structural frame and a carriage movable along the guide column and secured to the structural frame, the motion guidance system including an anti-rotation bearing support affixed to the carriage and movably secured to the structural frame; and a support device connected to the structural frame and a saddle for controlling the location of the saddle with respect to the structural frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Harold Isaacs
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Patent number: 6520729Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a load from a source to a destination. The apparatus includes a freight container (1) which has a plurality of cells (7) each for containing a discrete load and a conveyor (10) for conveying loads between cells (7). Plural discrete loads are loaded into the container (1). The loads are allocated amongst the cells (7) according to the destinations of the individual loads and then each individual load is conveyed to its allocated cell (7).Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: 3rd Planet Solutions LimitedInventor: David A. Gibson