Pushing Or Pulling Device For Loading A Wheeled Vehicle By Exerting A Generally Horizontal Force On Load Patents (Class 414/400)
  • Patent number: 11932417
    Abstract: A system for receiving a package from an unmanned aerial vehicle that includes a landing pad comprises a flat platform with a central hole, an elevating subsystem comprises a lifting board and a lifting mechanism, and a compartments subsystem comprises plurality of compartments, one above the other, each of which has a pushing rod with an actuator. The flat platform is suitable for the aerial vehicle to land on it. The lifting board is positioned in the central hole in such a way that the lifting board can be leveled with the flat platform when the aerial vehicle is landing, and the lifting board is suitable to the aerial vehicle to place the package on it. The lifting mechanism can lift up and lower down the lifting board that can stop in front of each compartment and the pushing rod can push the package to the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventors: Niv Aharoni, Maoz Klein
  • Patent number: 11618641
    Abstract: An apparatus (600) for use in unpacking or packing shipping containers (700) includes at least one barrier part which provides a barrier to wheeled powered material handling equipment (1105). The barrier part can be positioned substantially transversely across an interior of a shipping container (700) at a desired position along the length of the interior of the shipping container, to provide a working area (1120) within the shipping container in which personnel may work on foot, and substantially impede or prevent entry of wheeled powered material handling equipment into the working area. The apparatus may be provided with an arrangement to substantially maintain its location in the desired position against forces resulting from impact by the powered material handling equipment operating within the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: YGCC Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Trent Young, Scott Young
  • Patent number: 11535465
    Abstract: An Urban Intermodal Freight System is capable of transporting large volumes and tonnage of freight by containerized or other means on a mass transit rail system. It captures excess capacity in the existing mass transit rail infrastructure to move packages, parcels, and freight by using miniaturized intermodal cargo containers that are designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing transit infrastructure, while displacing delivery trucks from increasingly crowded city streets. By enabling inbound trucks to transfer their cargo to the Urban Intermodal Freight System at a city's outskirts, freight is delivered without trucks entering congested downtown areas, greatly alleviating traffic congestion, delays, greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts. The Linear Loading Dock and Conveyor System may have other useful applications, for example to access a facility, building or vehicle, or in other circumstances where off street truck parking or loading docks are not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lawrence Kinzler
  • Patent number: 10235654
    Abstract: Assigning boxes to available spaces in storage bays may include: obtaining a first data structure identifying available spaces in multiple storage bays, the first data structure including xyz measurements of available spaces, and the multiple storage bays including one or more boxes; comparing, by a processor, for match xyz dimensions of a box with xyz dimensions of one or more available spaces in the first data structure to identify a matching available space, the box being selected from a second data structure identifying boxes to be placed into the multiple storage bays; and assigning, based on a match, the box to the matching available space, and removing the box from the second data structure, and the matching available space from the first data structure. The assigning of boxes may be combined with identifying desired products to be ordered, and ordering products based on available spaces in the storage bays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Budy D. Notohardjono, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Patent number: 9221624
    Abstract: A parts feeding device includes a magazine for housing pallets, a parts feeding table capable of supporting a plurality of pallets in a state where a tray mounted on a topmost pallet is positioned within a movable range of a parts retrieving head and in a state where an upside of the tray is open, and a relay device which inserts and removes the pallets into and from the magazine and the parts feeding table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Yamagata, Toshimichi Satou, Atsushi Okada, Akira Kishida
  • Patent number: 9011071
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: SA Recycling LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8998557
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: David Douglas Dieziger
  • Publication number: 20140212251
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods, systems and apparatuses for loading and unloading freight from railcars and methods for intermodal transportation of freight on railcars. The freight may be a shipping container or a semi-trailer. The system for loading and unloading freight on railcars includes a sled capable of moving laterally between a loading location and a railcar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Nathan J. Sonnenfeld
  • Patent number: 8784031
    Abstract: A cargo loader operable to load cargo into an opening of an enclosed trailer. The loader has an elongated bed with front and rear portions. A carriage is mounted on the bed and coupled to a drive assembly operable to move the carriage between the front and rear portions. Forks are mounted on the carriage and move therewith. Cargo is loaded onto the forks when the carriage is positioned on the front portion. The opening of the trailer is positioned adjacent the rear portion so that when the carriage pushes the forks and cargo thereupon longitudinally along the bed toward the rear portion, the forks and cargo are received inside the trailer. The drive assembly moves the carriage from the rear to the front portion to withdraw the forks from inside the trailer while a cargo retention assembly maintains the cargo inside the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Container Stuffers, LLC
    Inventor: Troy D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140147236
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, a chute can be employed in combination with a loader vehicle to quickly and efficiently load bulk material into a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SA Recycling LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8690512
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: SA Recycling LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8668425
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, a chute can be employed in combination with a loader vehicle to quickly and efficiently load bulk material into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: SA Recycling LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8657557
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, a chute can be employed in combination with a loader vehicle to quickly and efficiently load bulk material into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: SA Recycling LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8596953
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk, material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: SA Recycling LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Publication number: 20130195589
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SA RECYCLING LLC
    Inventor: SA RECYCLING LLC
  • Patent number: 8498778
    Abstract: A turn signal control system for use with a right turn signal and a left turn signal of a motor vehicle and a vehicle navigation system is provided. The turn signal system includes a processor configured to be operably coupled to the vehicle navigation system. The processor is configured to receive map data and route data from the vehicle navigation system. The processor is configured to determine a turn zone of the vehicle based on a set of criteria. A turn signal controller is operably coupled to the processor and configured to activate one of the right and left turn signals when the vehicle is in the turn zone. A method of controlling a right and left turn signal is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Shafer Seymour, Robert Gee
  • Patent number: 8311664
    Abstract: A tray supply apparatus includes a tray magazine, a sub magazine, a supply station, and a lifting and lowering mechanism. The tray magazine can store a tray on each of a plurality of stages. The tray stores components. The sub magazine includes a plurality of conveyance mechanisms having a plurality of stages. The sub magazine is adjacent to the tray magazine and capable of taking out the tray from the tray magazine. The supply station includes a plurality of placement portions having a plurality of stages, on each of which the tray is placed, and a stage that lifts and lowers the tray between the plurality of placement portions. The supply station is disposed at a position where the components are picked up. The lifting and lowering mechanism lifts and lowers the sub magazine to convey the tray between the tray magazine and the supply station through the sub magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Ohno
  • Patent number: 8257007
    Abstract: A cargo loader operable to load cargo into an opening of an enclosed trailer. The loader has an elongated bed with a front portion and a rear open portion. The opening of the trailer is positioned adjacent to the rear open portion of the bed. A pair of sidewalls flank the rear open portion and define an interior cargo receiving area. A carriage is moveably mounted to the bed and coupled to a drive assembly operable to move the carriage between the front portion and the rear open portion. The carriage is positioned on the front portion to allow cargo to be loaded into the cargo receiving area. The carriage is configured to push a ram longitudinally along the bed to push the cargo inside the cargo receiving area into the opening of the enclosed trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Container Stuffers, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel S. Williams, Troy D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120107075
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading a shipping container comprising a metal trough having a bottom, a front end, a back end and two sidewalls. A push plate disposed at the back end of the metal trough. A force mechanism coupled to the push plate and configured to move the push plate from the back end of the metal trough to the front end of the metal trough. A support mechanism configured to support the metal trough to allow a shipping container to be moved into a position to encompass the metal trough through a door of the shipping container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Michael R. Uhrick, Ronnie L. Latham
  • Patent number: 8131863
    Abstract: An address translator includes an SIP message detecting function. Upon detection of an SIP message, the address translator sends the SIP message to an SIP address translator. The SIP address translator extracts addresses for translation, and makes a query to the address translator. The SIP address translator translates an IP address included in the SIP message, using translation information of the address translator. Thus, an SIP communication is accomplished between terminals belonging to different regions in association of the address translator and the SIP address translator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukiko Takeda, Hidenori Inouchi
  • Publication number: 20110311341
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, a chute can be employed in combination with a loader vehicle to quickly and efficiently load bulk material into a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SA RECYCLING LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8038381
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for loading vehicle bodies in which assembled vehicle bodies are continuously made available from a production process for loading and are prepared for the loading. Several different stations of the loading arrangement are mutually coordinated and monitored by a control unit. A drive operated fork lift is utilized to handle empty cargo carriers and to stack a pair of vehicle body loaded cargo carriers to form a loading unit which is subsequently transferred to a transport train freight car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, ILS Industrie Logistic Swiss AG
    Inventors: Lothar Boettcher, Christoph Beerhalter, Guenther Wittenmayer, Guenther Wolf, Claus-Peter Krause, Eckhard Uebach
  • Publication number: 20110182705
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for loading a transport container with a load of bulk material has a load bin (20) positioned for axial movement atop a base assembly (40). A packer blade (90) is positioned inside the load bin for movement relative to the load bin in the same axial direction. The load bin has an open first end (22) and a second end (24), with a pair of vertical side walls (66) and a substantially open top surface. Drivers (60, 92) are provided for the axial movements. Material is loaded into the load bin, the openable end of the transport container is placed around the first end of the load bin, and the load bin is extended into the transport container until the packer blade is inside the transport container. By retracting the load bin while retaining the packer blade inside the container, the load is transferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Greg R. Bushong
  • Patent number: 7938612
    Abstract: A battery-changing vehicle includes a mobile carriage, a frame disposed above the mobile carriage, and a boom assembly connected to the frame. The mobile carriage defines a loading deck for receiving and transporting a battery. The boom assembly includes a lift hoist that lifts a battery to and from the loading deck. The lift hoist is capable of lateral movement between an extended disposition, at which the lift hoist is cantilevered away from the loading deck, and a withdrawn disposition, at which the lift hoist is disposed above the loading deck. The battery-changing vehicle may also include a transfer arm capable of transferring a battery to and from the loading deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Multi-Shifter, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Springston, John R. Pratt, Dale A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110058922
    Abstract: A system and method for loading solid state materials into shipping containers including trucking containers is disclosed. The system includes a movable frame having walls extending therealong and a trolley incorporated to the movable frame for receiving solid state materials. The system further includes two self moving parts, a pair of pusher rods and a basket system incorporated to the trolley. The at least one trolley and the at least one frame may be moved by way of at least one electric motor. The system is configured to load solid state materials quickly and efficiently by way of an automated roller-tracked bucket mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: MICHELE AURIEMMA
  • Publication number: 20110058923
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for palletizing cargo on a rack for shipment are provided. The system generally includes a tiered rack having a base tier, a support framework extending from the base tier, and a second tier adjustably attached to the support framework. The system may further include a plurality of lower frame support members positioned longitudinally across the bottom of the base tier, and a plurality of pneumatically actuated rollers spaced to cooperatively engage the plurality of lower frame support members, the rollers being selectively extendable from a plurality of raised tracks positioned longitudinally along a floor of the railcar, where the rollers are configured to pneumatically extend past an upper surface of the track when actuated and allow for linear motion there over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Tom Campbell, Art Shoener
  • Patent number: 7882683
    Abstract: Waste-processing and transportation systems and methods are described. An exemplary waste processing and transportation system (10) comprises a receiving area (20) where loose waste (28) is delivered, a baler (22) for processing the loose waste (28) into waste bales (34), and a loading area (26) where the waste bales (34) are loaded onto a transport vehicle (e.g., a barge 36). A loader (32a) may operate in the receiving area (20) to load the loose waste (28) into the baler (22). At least one material handler (42a) may be configured to move the waste bales (34) onto the transport vehicle (36) for transport to a waste transfer facility (14). The waste bales (34) are configured such that the waste bales are unloaded from the transport vehicle (36) at the waste transfer facility (14) and loaded onto other transport vehicles (e.g., railcars 38) without further processing of the waste bales (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: TDM America, LLC
    Inventors: Ritchie G. Studer, Rick R. Redle, Irfan A. Toor, F. Scott Crawford, Thomas J. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7866932
    Abstract: A container loader includes a loading ram and a side wall protector device for protecting side walls of a container, such as a trailer or a shipping container. The side wall protector device includes a pair of spaced-apart movable side plates with at least one actuator connected to the side plates. The side plates are selectively extendable into spaces adjacent the container side walls by the actuator and are retractable therefrom, such that the side wall protector device substantially contains a loading pressure within the container and substantially prevents the pressure from exerting force upon the container side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: SP Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis C. Pool
  • Patent number: 7837428
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: SA Recycling LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Patent number: 7806644
    Abstract: A tray discharge apparatus which is capable of automatically discharging and storing medicine-filled trays in carts and aligning the carts. The apparatus includes a cart standby portion (13) for putting a cart (8) transported from a cart supply line (48) on standby; and a tray supply portion (14) having a tray shift unit (21) for sequentially storing trays (7) in storage areas (46) of the cart transported from the cart standby portion. The tray supply portion is operable to align the carts with the stored trays relative to a tray discharge line (49) that is juxtaposed to the tray supply line. Also, a cart shift member (15) is provided for moving the cart to the tray supply portion from the cart standby portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Akitomi Kohama, Tatsuaki Kunimoto
  • Patent number: 7744332
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and temporarily relocating a trash container so as to decongest a thoroughfare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas W. Martin
  • Publication number: 20100111654
    Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: POET RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Schroeder, Joel Bordewyk, Donald Krueger, Michael Masgai, Steven Redford
  • Patent number: 7695235
    Abstract: A warehousing system for palletized cargo, and an automated loading/unloading system for use with the same. The warehousing system includes a feed conveyer and a plurality of storage racks. A traveling conveyor carries the cargo from the feed conveyor to the individual racks, and from the racks to a loading/unloading conveyor which carries the cargo to the loading/unloading docks. The traveling conveyor rides on a wheeled chassis that is guided between the receiving and discharge locations on tracks. The storage racks are stackable in tiers, and the traveling conveyor has a deck that raises and lowers to be level therewith. The automated loading/unloading dock includes a rigid, extensible plate having an upper surface for supporting a load of palletized cargo, with a drive mechanism being mounted to the inner end of the plate to translate it in and out of the transport vehicle. The plate carries a load of palletized cargo into or out of the transport vehicle en masse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: John H. Rallis
  • Publication number: 20090274539
    Abstract: The invention is a tool used for aiding in the removal of material from the forks of a forklift to the overhead rack system of a pickup truck. After a forklift loaded with material lowers its forks onto a truck's overhead rack system, the forklift draws away, forcing the material against the Load Sweep. This force is transferred through the Load Sweep into the stationary overhead rack system attached to the vehicle. The forks then withdraw, allowing the material to drop onto the overhead rack system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jared Elliott Bockoff
  • Publication number: 20090047105
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer plate for loading a cargo space. The transfer plate is intended to be moved, together with cargo units, into the cargo space and back again, the cargo units remaining in the cargo space. Rolling elements are arranged, over at least part of the length of the transfer plate, on the side of it facing the cargo units to permit movement between the transfer plate and the cargo units. The transfer plate is mainly of plastic and the thickness of the structure formed by the transfer plate and the rolling elements are less than 70 millimetres. The invention also relates to a method for loading a cargo space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jouko Kauhanen
  • Patent number: 7153078
    Abstract: Through a loading and unloading station for load carriers of vehicle bodies, vehicles or the like, it is possible to unload vehicle bodies from a railway car in a continuous cycle and supply them to a production facility, wherein in one cycle simultaneously the load carriers receiving the vehicle bodies are returned to an empty railway car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, UTC Uebach Technologie Consulting GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Beerhalter, Lothar Boettcher, Guenther Wolf, Guenther Wittenmayer, Claus-Peter Krause, Eckard Uebach, Ernst Hopf, Walter Kramer
  • Patent number: 7004710
    Abstract: A hydraulic battery changer for pulling and pushing batteries into a conventional electric vehicle having a height adjustable leg connected to a frame for raising and lowering the frame. A roller is rotatably connected to the frame for receiving a conventional electric vehicle battery thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Jim D. Quade
  • Patent number: 6808356
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a device convenient for carrying pallet loaded with article into and/or from container. The introducing device 3 is comprised of: the stage 5; the first lifting/sliding devices 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d, which support the pallet 11 to allow it to move horizontally while keeping it lifting up to the floor surface of the stage; and the second lifting/sliding devices 29a, 29b, 29c and 29d, which receive the pallet from the first lifting/sliding devices and support it to allow it to move horizontally while keeping it lifting up to the floor surface of the container 2. The introducing device 3 is possible to be used for discharging operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Steel Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Iwasaki, Tatsuhiko Aoki, Kouichi Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 6709219
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a waste container, especially a roll-off waste container, having a gate at one end, a waste transfer system to push wastes within the container out the gate, and lifting devices which raise the container to approximately the level of a garbage truck's hopper. The hopper may be the fixed rear hopper of a rear-load truck or a special container for a front load truck. The present invention furthermore teaches a new system for waste handling. Wastes are placed into a container, the container is raised, and the wastes are transferred to a garbage truck. The present invention may be used industrially, in construction, in residential settings, and commercially. The invention may be opened at sides or tops to meet the user's waste disposal needs, and may be connected to a building by a trash chute as is commonly used in compactor applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas I. Reed, III
  • Publication number: 20030210973
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a waste container, especially a roll-off waste container, having a gate at one end, a waste transfer system to push wastes within the container out the gate, and lifting devices which raise the container to approximately the level of a garbage truck's hopper. The hopper may be the fixed rear hopper of a rear-load truck or a special container for a front load truck. The present invention furthermore teaches a new system for waste handling. Wastes are placed into a container, the container is raised, and the wastes are transferred to a garbage truck. The present invention may be used industrially, in construction, in residential settings, and commercially. The invention may be opened at sides or tops to meet the user's waste disposal needs, and may be connected to a building by a trash chute as is commonly used in compactor applications. The legs, gate, and transfer device may be hydraulically actuated, electrical, or may be actuated in other ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas I. Reed
  • Patent number: 6640984
    Abstract: An adjustable frame for carrying vehicles between elongate upright sides includes, on each side, a forward end and a rearward end, each end including an upper and lower rail section joined by elongate brace members, where the respective ends are separated from one another and a length-adjusting insert is carried between such ends to selectively permit adjustment of the position of the forward end relative to the rearward end while maintaining the ends in end-to-end alignment. On each side of the frame, preferably at least one of the upper rail sections has an end portion defining an open-ended hollow tube extending lengthwise of that side within which an elongate arm of the length-adjusting insert is slidably moveable so that structures on the outside surfaces of the rail sections will not interfere with length adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: G&G Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Gearin, Everett A. Leech
  • Patent number: 6589002
    Abstract: The present invention relates to material and waste transportation, in particular including an improved routine for delivery of newsprint and the removal of waste paper. There is described a material delivery and waste collection system for a premises. The system comprises (i) providing at least two, wheeled, enclosed elongate material-carrying containers each having a floor, walls, a roof and an access door at the rear of the container. The premises have a delivery bay for transfer of materials from the rear of a first container into the premises; and at least one waste collection bay. The waste collection bay includes a compactor unit having an input adapted to receive waste material and an output for expulsion of the waste material. Mutually cooperating connecting means are provided on the compactor units and on the rear of the second container; the connecting means providing a substantially rigid connection between the output of the compactor unit and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Derek Edward Sumpter
  • Patent number: 6497328
    Abstract: An adjustable frame for carrying vehicles between elongate upright sides includes, on each side, a forward end and a rearward end, each end including an upper and lower rail section joined by elongate brace members, where the respective ends are separated from one another and a length-adjusting insert is carried between such ends to selectively permit adjustment of the position of the forward end relative to the rearward end while maintaining the ends in end-to-end alignment. On each side of the frame, preferably at least one of the upper rail sections has an end portion defining an open-ended hollow tube extending lengthwise of that side within which an elongate arm of the length-adjusting insert is slidably moveable so that structures on the outside surfaces of the rail sections will not interfere with length adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: G&G Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Gearin, Everett A. Leech
  • Patent number: 6450753
    Abstract: A cargo transfer system provides a transport trailer floor with a plurality of guide tracks that slidably support a floor platform having substantially the same dimensions as the full size cargo floor of the trailer; a similar plurality of support guide tracks being provided in a shipping/receiving facility arranged for axial and elevational alignment with the guide tracks of a transport trailer positioned in the loading/unloading bay of the facility. A powered drive mechanism associated with the guide tracks in the facility releasably engages a floor platform member to push or pull the floor platform member along the aligned guide tracks between the transport trailer and the facility whereby to load or unload the entire contents of transport trailers in a single movement of the floor platform therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: Olof A. Hallstrom, Kevin M. Pike, Donald W. Wilton
  • Patent number: 6427585
    Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Marathon Equipment Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Brown, Steven G. Seagraves
  • Publication number: 20020085904
    Abstract: A cargo transfer system provides a transport trailer floor with a plurality of guide tracks that slidably support a floor platform having substantially the same dimensions as the full size cargo floor of the trailer; a similar plurality of support guide tracks being provided in a shipping/receiving facility arranged for axial and elevational alignment with the guide tracks of a transport trailer positioned in the loading/unloading bay of the facility. A powered drive mechanism associated with the guide tracks in the facility releasably engages a floor platform member to push or pull the floor platform member along the aligned guide tracks between the transport trailer and the facility whereby to load or unload the entire contents of transport trailers in a single movement of the floor platform therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Olof A. Hallstrom, Kevin M. Pike, Donald W. Wilton
  • Patent number: 6382897
    Abstract: A unit for sorting and transferring sheets of glass has a number of carriages, each having a number of compartments for receiving respective sheets of glass; and a sorting device for supporting the sheets and feeding each of the sheets into a respective compartment; the sorting device having a support for supporting a sheet and rotating about an axis of rotation; and the carriages being arranged in a ring about the rotary support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Bottero S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Mattio, Sebastiano Bisotto, Giacomo Aimar
  • Patent number: 6378708
    Abstract: An adjustable frame for carrying vehicles between elongate upright sides includes, on each side, a forward end and a rearward end, each end including an upper and lower rail section joined by elongate brace members, where the respective ends are separated from one another and a length-adjusting insert is carried between such ends to selectively permit adjustment of the position of the forward end relative to the rearward end while maintaining the ends in end-to-end alignment. On each side of the frame, preferably at least one of the upper rail sections has an end portion defining an open-ended hollow tube extending lengthwise of that side within which an elongate arm of the length-adjusting insert is slidably moveable so that structures on the outside surfaces of the rail sections will not interfere with length adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: G & G Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Gearin, Everett A. Leech
  • Patent number: 6357986
    Abstract: The device of manual transporting large objects or loads, which includes a wheeled, load supporting frame vertically adjustable, facilitates the manual load, unload, and transport of large objects or loads, such as pickup truck toppers or shells, sheet material, pipes, other building supplies, appliances, etc. Frame height adjustment to the level of on or off load is by means of telescoping legs, supported on lockable wheels or castors, or in combination with hand winches mounted on the legs. Rollers may be attached to the top of the frame for ease in sliding objects or loads on or off. In an alternate embodiment for elongated objects or loads, such as pipes, beams, rails, etc., a beam and additional supports are added to the frame. The device is positioned over the load. The load, such as a pipe, is attached to each end of the beam by chains and transported to an interim workstation or its final disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: Evelyn Payton Sonnamaker, Wade Sonnamaker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010026751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for blocking a vehicle, comprising a guide track which is disposed along a driveway, a carriage which engages on the guide track and is displaceable therealong in guided manner and which is provided with transversely protruding wheel engaging means, which comprise at least wheel blocking means, and locking means for locking the carriage, wherein at a front end the guide track comprises a guide surface extending upward from close to the driveway and having connected thereto a guide surface which extends substantially parallel to the driveway, and a part of the carriage carrying the wheel blocking means is displaceable along the guide track, while substantially following both guide surfaces, between a forward position close to the driveway and a rear position at a distance above the driveway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jan Berends