Abstract: A cargo delivery vehicle has storage for multiple tiers, or levels, of cargo. The delivery vehicle includes a plurality of interior pallet elevators, at least one on either side of a center structural wall running parallel to the side walls. Specialized pallets are provided for use with the pallet elevators. The pallet elevators are powered by redundant hydraulic cylinders which drive four cross-shaft-linked chains to lift and lower the pallet support shelves. Compact rear access doors slide vertically to allow easy access for loading or unloading. Substantially continuous side access doors provide total exterior access to the lowermost tier of cargo by delivery vehicle personnel standing on the ground. Cargo stored at the upper tier may be positioned by an elevating means at the level of the lower tier for either rear loading or side retrieval purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a truck box is provided for use with snowmobiles and the like. The apparatus includes a pair of mounting elements arranged to mount on the respective tailgate mounts of the truck box in place of the tailgate of the truck so that no modification to the truck bed is required upon installation. A shaft is supported on the pair of mounting elements for rotation about an axis laterally across the back end of the truck box and includes a sprocket coupled for rotation therewith. A frame arranged to support a snowmobile and the like thereon is supported on the shaft to extend transversely thereto and has a rack mounted on a bottom side thereof for engaging the sprocket.

Abstract: A cargo delivery vehicle is described having storage for multiple tiers, or levels, of cargo. The delivery vehicle includes two or more interior elevating platforms, at least one on either side of a center structural wall running parallel to the side walls. Substantially continuous side access doors provide total exterior access to the lowermost tier of cargo. Cargo stored at the upper tier may be positioned by an elevating means at the level of the lower tier for either rear loading or side retrieval purposes. The center structural wall supports a transverse roof truss system that carries suspended outboard loads inward to the center wall. This non-traditional framing system greatly reduces the structural requirements of the sidewalls and floor, thereby permitting largely open framing for multiple side access ports as well as a minimized floor thickness to permit easier access from the pavement.

Abstract: A transport system for farm combines and other large wheel and track mounted equipment. A trailer for the equipment is constructed by a lightweight manner by providing its frame with narrowly spaced side rails separated by a distance less than the width of the equipment that is carried on the trailer. The axles of the transported equipment are each provided with detachable rollers that slide along the side rails as the equipment is pulled on and off of the trailer by a winch driven pulley and cable system. The narrow width of the trailer minimizes its weight so that the trailer can carry two combines at the same time without the weight exceeding highway weight regulations.

Abstract: A collapsible utility cart for use with automobile trunks including a basket having a generally rectangular configuration. The basket has an open upper end and a closed bottom end. A pair of forward legs are included each having an upper end pivotally coupled with a forward portion of the closed bottom end of the basket. Each of the forward legs has a caster disposed on lower ends thereof. The pair of forward legs have an extended orientation whereby they are perpendicular to the closed bottom end of the basket and a collapsed orientation whereby they are folded upwardly to a position abutting the closed lower end of the basket. A pair of rearward legs are each pivotally coupled with a rearward portion of the closed bottom end of the basket. A lower end of each rearward leg has a caster disposed thereon.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle having multiple compartments for recyclable material is provided with a compacting assembly that includes a sub-compartment that does not change in size during compaction operations.

Abstract: A cargo delivery vehicle is described having storage for multiple tiers, or levels, of cargo. The delivery vehicle includes two or more interior elevating platforms, at least one on either side of a center structural wall running parallel to the side walls. Substantially continuous side access doors provide total exterior access to the lowermost tier of cargo. Cargo stored at the upper tier may be positioned by an elevating means at the level of the lower tier for either rear loading or side retrieval purposes. The center structural wall supports a transverse roof truss system that carries suspended outboard loads inward to the center wall. This non-traditional framing system greatly reduces the structural requirements of the side walls and floor, thereby permitting largely open framing for multiple side access ports as well as a minimized floor thickness to permit easier access from the pavement.

Abstract: A cargo delivery vehicle is described having storage for multiple tiers, or levels, of cargo. The delivery vehicle includes one or more elevator assemblies, each of which includes two cargo storage platforms movable so that cargo can be loaded on both platforms from a height corresponding to the upper storage tier and unloaded from both platforms from a height corresponding to the lower storage tier. The elevator assemblies are provided with stabilizing guide rails along which the cargo platforms are raised and lowered. The guide rails of each elevator assembly are spaced so as to allow loading and unloading of cargo from the front, rear, or either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of movable floors in a storage area and to the solution of the problem with conventional floors wherein the capacity of said storage areas are not utilised due to inaccessible areas or the machinery required to provide existing movable floors. The invention is of particular use in trailers or trucks for road or rail movement. The invention provides at least one frame (54) which forms a goods lifting and storage base, said frame supported by a series of first guide (10) means and, in one aspect said first means are mounted on a series of second guide means (56). At least one frame provided is capable of movement in relation to at least one of the guide means provided to ensure that goods can be moved into previously inaccessible areas. The formation of the guide means also ensures that minimum space is lost due to the provision of the movable frames.

Abstract: A side loading refuse vehicle having a cab and storage tank divided into separate upper and lower storage regions suitable for simultaneous collection of recyclable refuse and other household waste using a multi-compartment bin. The vehicle is capable of "one man" operation by use of a retractable loading arm operated by the driver from within the vehicle's cab.

Abstract: A roll handling apparatus, including a roll handling cart, a C-hook assembly and a tiltable upender assembly is disclosed. The roll handling cart receives a plurality of spaced rolls, for example, paper rolls. A guide moves the cart bed along a path. A first member engages one end of the rolls and a second member engages the other end to move the rolls adjacent one another.

Abstract: A sectional van trailer having detachable, interchangeable compartments capable of forming a continuous van body is disclosed. One or more van sections or cargo compartments are secured to a trailer frame. The van sections may be individually removed and left at a location for loading or unloading. When removed, the van sections form secure, weather-tight individual containers for the goods disposed therein. The van sections are interconnected and each van section may remain an individual compartment or may be joined with one or more adjacent van sections to form a continuous van body. A tractor mounted hoist apparatus is provided to allow a lone truck operator to move the van sections between the ground, and the trailer frame, a storage stand, or a truck frame. The described embodiments are particularly efficient for moving both household belongings and general commodities on a long-haul trip.

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: A self-loading tobacco trailer is provided for loading and transporting burley tobacco stalks impaled on tobacco rods. The trailer comprises a wheeled undercarriage configured to be connected to a work vehicle; a generally upright side structure running lengthwise relative to the trailer; and a tobacco rod carrying assembly also running lengthwise relative to the trailer and supported by the side structure. The tobacco rod carrying assembly may comprise oppositely faced parallel carrying members at a height such that the tobacco stalks impaled on the tobacco rods hang freely within the side structure between the carrying members. Chains guided by the carrying members transversely position the tobacco rods with respect to the carrying members. A drive mechanism is operatively connected to the chains and is configured to move them in at least one lengthwise direction with respect to the carrying members.

Abstract: A dockable container chassis has a slidable bunk for carrying the container between transport and docking positions. This chassis may be used as the lead trailer of a "B train" or as a single semi-trailer. When the chassis is the lead trailer, a fifth wheel is mounted at the rear thereof between the chassis sides. The tail trailer is then equipped with a kingpin mounted to connect with the fifth wheel on the rear of the lead trailer, without interference between the chassis of the two units. The bunk on the lead trailer rides over the fifth wheel of the lead trailer which is located between the sides of its chassis. Locking mechanisms are provided to restrain the bunk from movement unless unlocked and the bunk is being moved from the docking to a transport position.

Abstract: This is a waste collection system from individual homes by use of a divided garbage can, cantilvered from a mobile supporter which is rolled to curbside and secured to in-ground anchors. A divided collecting device (hereafter called "CD") is suspended on the side of a garbage truck. The moving truck passes the CD beneath the can. Both the can and CD have guides to align themselves with one another. The CD has a mechanism that when touched by the can, causes its top to slide open. The CD engages targets that project downward from beneath the can. It pushes the targets and thereby slides the can's bottom open. It simultaneously compresses a spring beneath the can. Garbage falls from both compartments of the can onto the divided CD. The truck continues to move, the targets disengage, the compressed spring is released and closes the bottom of the can. The top of the CD closes and a sweeper inside the CD stradling the divider rams the garbage backward onto a closed pan.

Abstract: A device for the collection of domestic refuse and similar materials, comprising a number of containers which are fitted in at least one upper layer positioned above at least one lower layer. The containers in the upper layer are accommodated in a support which can be moved up and down. The containers are formed in such a way that in a lower position of the upper support, the containers of the top layer project into the containers of the layer lying below. Accordingly, the containers of each layer can be filled easily by hand while they are in the device.

Abstract: For the enclosed compartment space of a truck type of automotive vehicle rearward of the cab seating section, particularly herein with reference to a mail delivery truck, a movable shelf supported on rollers running on ledges formed by the internal wheel wells of the body of the truck, the shelf carrying mail baskets therein, both the shelf and baskets thereon being easily reachable by the operator seated in the cab section by use of a hook equipped rod whereby the operator can move forwardly the shelf and baskets thereon to be readily reachable for access thereto without the operator being required to step down to have access to the same by an approach through the rear of the truck.

Abstract: A sectional van trailer having detachable, interchangeable compartments capable of forming a continuous van body is disclosed. One or more van sections or cargo compartments are secured to a trailer frame. The van sections may be individually removed and left at a location for loading or unloading. When removed, the van sections form secure, weather-tight individual containers for the goods disposed therein. The van sections are interconnected and each van section may remain an individual compartment or may be joined with one or more adjacent van sections to form a continuous van body. A tractor mounted hoist apparatus is provided to allow a lone truck operator to move the van sections between the ground, and the trailer frame, a storage stand, or a truck frame. The described embodiments are particularly efficient for moving both household belongings and general commodities on a long-haul trip.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus comprising a charging hopper (3) having an upper first opening (6) through which material can be loaded into the charging hopper (3) and a lower second opening (7) through which material can be discharged from the charging hopper (3). The apparatus includes a control member (10) having a work head (12) which is mounted for movement within the charging hopper (3) about a pivot axis (20) which extends generally laterally with respect to the normal upright operative position of the apparatus, the control member (10) being pivotally movable about the pivot axis (20) between a first position in which the work head (12) is spaced from and disposed above the second opening (7), and a second position in which the work head is adjacent or within the second opening (7).

Abstract: A system for handling iron and steel products, such as, in particular, slabs, blooms, billets and similar products, which have intersecting translation movements. These include apparatus for gripping, handling and transporting iron and steel products and adapted for being driven in a translation movement along a running path, and a transfer carriage on which the apparatus for gripping and carrying a product is positioned. The transfer carriage is capable of being displaced along a running path, according to a translation movement perpendicular to the translation movement of the gripping apparatus in order to bring the product to any desired location.

Abstract: A trailer load shifting device comprises a framework adapted to ride along a trailer and to which weights are engageable. The framework incorporates wheeled carriers which are retractable and extendable by actuation of air bags positioned between the framework and the wheeled carriers. When the wheeled carriers are retracted, the framework of the device rests upon frame members of the trailer and is engaged to the trailer framework by removable pins. When the pins have been removed, the air bags are filled, extending the wheeled carriers and simultaneously raising the framework off the trailer frame members. Then, upon light snubbing of the brakes of a slowly moving tractor engaged to the trailer, the device can be shfited fore or aft, as desired, by its inertia.

Abstract: A double drop trailer has a central storage or cargo section whose floor is at a lower level than the floors of the front and rear storage (cargo) sections. A first lift having upper and lower cargo platforms is located in the central cargo section, and a second lift is located in the rear section. The first lift is initially positioned so that its lower platform is level with the floor of the front section. Cargo is then moved through the rear door, through the rear section, across the lower storage platform of the first lift and placed on the floor of the front section. More cargo is then moved through the rear door and placed on the lower storage platform of the first lift. The first lift is then lowered. Additional cargo is then moved through the rear door onto the second lift and this lift is thereafter raised permitting this cargo to be placed on the upper storage platform of the lift. Finally, more cargo is moved through the rear door and loaded into the rear section of the trailer.

Abstract: Automatic collection and set up equipment for chairs, characterized by the fact that it performs automatically all the jobs required in collecting and setting up chairs; markedly reduces the man-hours required to prepare a conference room; and it has an arrangement of many hooks which are able to move up or down at short intervals, in line, on a truck picking up or letting down crossmembers of the chairs and stacking chairs one by one.

Abstract: A roll-off hoist includes a trailer main frame having a forward end defining a first pair of tracks and having a rearward end; a roll-off hoist frame hingedly connected at its rearward end to the rearward end of the main frame to pivot between a horizontal transport position and a rearwardly inclined loading position, the hoist frame adapted to receive a container directly atop and adjacent thereto, the hoist frame defining a second pair of tracks which align with the first pair of tracks when the hoist frame is in the horizontal transport position; a trolley mounted to slide within the first and second pair of tracks; trolley stop means mounted on the trolley for engagement with coacting container stop means on a container; a cable which apparatus anchored to the hoist frame and adapted to pull the container onto the hoist frame; and actuator means interposed between the trolley and the hoist frame for moving the trolley within the first and second pairs of tracks and moving a container connected to the trol

Abstract: Grain tanks of harvesting machines frequently have an irregularly shaped interior which is difficult to fill completely and to unload. A conveyor system is proposed facilitating loading and unloading of the grain tank. The conveyor system comprises a conveyor arrangement which contains conveyor elements that can be driven and that can be moved vertically depending on the height of the crop deposit. The conveyor arrangement is mounted to the interior wall of the grain tank by a four bar linkage. During the filling process, the conveyor elements act as distributors filling in unused areas of the grain tanks. During the unloading process, they act as conveyors directing grain to the unloading auger.

Abstract: A gooseneck truck trailer (13) including a hydraulic mechanism for longitudinally positioning a large cargo container (27) is disclosed. The hydraulic load positioning mechanism includes a horizontal bar (37) and a hydraulic actuator (65). The horizontal bar (37) is located near the rear of the trailer (13) and oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. The hydraulic actuator (65) lies along the longitudinal axis of the trailer (13). The hydraulic actuator (65) is oriented such that the outer end of the shaft (39) of the actuator (65) is attached to the bar (37) and the actuator housing is attached to the trailer (13), inwardly of the bar (37). The rear edge of a cargo container (27) to be transported by the trailer (13) is positioned atop, and attached to, the bar (37). The bar (37) and the forward end of the container (27) lie atop strips of low-friction material (63 and 73).

Abstract: The truck has an hydraulic pump for receiving dredged mixture of solids and water from a pumping site and delivering the mixture to the truck body. A fixed partition wall is mounted transversely in the body and divides the body into first and second open compartments. The first compartment receives the mixture from the pump means to enable solids to settle at the bottom of the first compartment and the water rises towards the top of the compartment. The second compartment receives the water which rises in the first compartment and the partition wall. Drain means are selectively operable to effect removal of substantially all water from the second compartment. A one-way valve is located between the first and second compartments and is operable when the body is tilted to permit residual water in the second compartment to flow into the first compartment to effect removal of remaining solid matter from the first compartment by washing it out of the tilted body via the open tailgate.

Abstract: A double drop trailer has a central storage or cargo section whose floor is at a lower level than the floors of the front and rear storage (cargo) sections. A first lift having upper and lower cargo platforms is located in the central cargo section, and a second lift is located in the rear section. The first lift is initially positioned so that its lower platform is level with the floor of the front section. Cargo is then moved through the rear door, through the rear section, across the lower storage platform of the first lift and placed on the floor of the front section. More cargo is then moved through the rear door and placed on the lower storage platform of the first lift. The first lift is then lowered. Additional cargo is then moved through the rear door onto the second lift and this lift is thereafter raised permitting this cargo to be placed on the upper storage platform of the lift. Finally, more cargo is moved through the rear door and loaded into the rear section of the trailer.

Abstract: A mail delivery system including, a plurality of portable trays each tray having a bottom, an open top, at least two rigid oppositely disposed sides affixed to the bottom, at least one open side, a gate member to open and close the open side. Separators removably attached to at least the bottom. Regularly spaced slots within the bottom to receive the separators. At least one set of handle members to assist in the transportation of the portable tray and to assist in the withdrawal or insertion of the portable tray from holder members arranged to receive the tray. A tray case containing a plurality of holder members to removably receive a plurality of the portable trays, members for raising and lowering the case and the trays from a loading position to a sorting position. A transport member containing a plurality of holder members to receive the portable trays and transport the portable trays from the tray cases to a tray rack in a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A universal spaceport for launching a space vehicle of any type. The spaceport includes a gantry crane, an erector, a launch pad launch mount adapter and an umbilical tower which is used for any type launch vehicle. The gantry is provided with drive trucks that drive the gantry as the erector is lifted about a pivot so that the crane lift is always vertical. The erector is adapted to support any launch vehicle so that the center line is common for each different type vehicle. The erector and umbilical tower are provided with vertically movable platforms which may be moved to any position along the launch vehicle. Further, a vertically movable support arm is provided for the umbilical. Unique launch mount adapters are provided to provide vehicle securing to common pad hold downs.

Abstract: The invention provides a low-profile agricultural trailer with power assisted wheels for use in orchards particularly during nut harvesting. A rectangular paneled trailer body has an open top partially covered by a sectional opened-top longitudinal hood, and is formed internally with hopper-like structure having sliding doors as openable bottom closures. The sliding doors move horizontally operated manually by levers at both ends of the trailer body. The hood has expanded metal see-through corners so nut loading can be watched and the nuts retained. A continuous loop load leveler has chains with angular load leveling paddles attached operational adjacently below the opened top of the hood. A base framework having trailer tow hitches at both ends supports the trailer body. An axle fastened to the base framework passes through a wheel housing downwardly opened transversely centrally through the trailer body. Two automotive type wheels with road tires are attached, one to each end of the axle by wheel hubs.

Abstract: A container chassis is supported at one end by a movable bogie unit or "slider" mounted below it, and has a sliding bolster unit mounted above it to accommodate a heavy twenty foot cargo container. Retractable roller mechanisms on the bogie unit and on the bolster unit are urged against the chassis to permit easy placement of a unit at a desired position along the chassis, and a releasable coupling between the slider and the bolster allows the bolster to be moved along the chassis by the slider. Protocols are described for moving a container between a first position centered on the chassis and a second position flush with the rear of the chassis. In a preferred embodiment, the front portion of the chassis is elevated with respect to the rear portion, so that the bolster slides along a region lower than the front. With the bolster in its rearmost position, the chassis accommodates a forty foot container.

Abstract: A transport trailer 10 for moving a combine harvester header including a frame 12, support wheels 14 rotatably journalled on the frame 12, and hitch member 26 on the front end of the frame 12 for attaching the trailer 10 to a draft vehicle. One or more generally vertical guides 28 are attached to the frame 12. A generally horizontal guide 30 is attached to the frame 12 and extends outwardly from each generally vertical guide. A header support structure 32 is supported by a generally vertical guide 28 and a generally horizontal guide 30. Attaching devices 66 are provided for attaching a header to the support structure 32. A hydraulic cylinder 60 is attached to the frame 12 and the header support structure 32 to move the support structure 32 along a vertical guide 28 and simultaneously along a generally horizontal guide 30.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positively loading and unloading containers onto and off of a truck without relying upon gravity includes an assembly driven longitudinally of the load carrying portion of the truck, actuator means responsive to driver commands, and a latching means carried by the assembly and responsive to the actuator means to cause latching/locking engagement with a container. The container is positively controlled and therefore can be either moved up and down an inclined load carrying portion of the truck or a horizontally disposed load carrying portion.

Abstract: A marine vessel for amphibious operations carries a land military vehicle which is secured by a cable and winch arrangement to the deck of the vessel and also positioned by means of a torsion bar. The military vehicle can be moved fore and aft to vary the longitudinal center of gravity of the vessel as a function of water speed so as to a transition the hydrodynamic hump of the vessel to obtain maximum speed with minimum power. The movement of the vehicle is controlled by the vehicle operator who manipulates the recovery winch. The vessel is under the control of the vehicle operator by means of a flexible control cable and a control box which is disposed within the vehicle.

Abstract: A bale loader comprises a pair of arms pivoted to a wheeled frame and movable vertically. The arms carry, at their outer ends, a platform which is pivoted to the arms and movable between an upright position to a position parallel with the arms. The platform carries a pair of pivoted tynes which, when the platform is moved to the upright position, extend along the ground to engage beneath a bale. Hydraulic cylinders acting between the platform and the frame causes pivotal movement of the platform to lift the bale and a further cylinder lifts the platform and arms about the pivotal attachment to the frame whereby the bale is discharged to a feeder or the like. A movable carriage on the arms assists in discharge of the bale from the platform.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus comprising a vehicle, a track supported on the vehicle, a travelling device movable on the track, a plurality of pivotally movable piston-cylinder units driven by a pressure medium interspaced along the track in the longitudinal direction, one end of each of the piston-cylinder units is supported on the vehicle and the other end of each of the units is engageable with an engagement part connected to the travelling device. Cam rails extend along the track and cooperate with portions at the other end of the piston-cylinder units to cause alternating coupling operations of the other end of the piston-cylinder units with the travelling device.

Abstract: A device for loading and compacting rubbish in a receptacle includes a foldable billfold-type panel having upper and lower pivotably articulated sections and a sweeping element articulated to the end of the lower section and pivotably drivable, by actuators, in a trajectory about the lower section end. When the sections are disposed in a substantially folded orientation relative to one another the sweeping element is pivoted upwardly about the lower section end to permit rubbish to be loaded into a receiving portion of the receptacle. Thereafter, the sections are moved to a substantially co-planar orientation where the sweeping element is pivoted downwardly and about the lower section end to sweep the rubbish behind the sections. Finally, the sections are returned to the substantially folded orientation whereupon the rubbish behind the sections is compressed and compacted.

Abstract: An automatic bale wagon comprising a frame, at least one load floor mounted on the frame, bale pick-up means operable to pick up bales from the ground for delivery to the load floor, or one of the load floors, conveyor means operable to convey bales on the or each load floor in a predetermined manner and such that the direction of movement of the bales is changed at one or more points in the path of travel, and bale support means movable in synchronism with the conveyor means to support one or more bales at a point at which a change in the direction of movement of the bale or bales is effected.