Patents Assigned to J. B. Hunt Corp.
  • Rack for transporting automobiles in enclosed semitrailers
    Patent number: 5595465
    Abstract: An expedited method of loading automobiles into an enclosed semi-trailer having a plurality of automobile-powered lifts provided to operate each lift through the rotary motion of the drive wheels of the automobile. An auxiliary drive is provided to operate the lifts after disconnecting the automobile-powered drive. In one embodiment of the method, the auxiliary drive comprises one or more portable electric motors releasably operatively connected to the electric motors to the automobile lifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: J.B. Hunt Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Knott
  • Apparatus and method for transporting automobiles in an enclosed semi-trailer
    Patent number: 5536132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for converting a semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container from carrying general freight cargo to carrying automobiles. More specifically, the present invention provides for a lift mechanism which is powered by the drive wheels of the automobile being carried by the lift so that a plurality of automobiles may be carried in two levels in an enclosed semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container. The method of the present invention is also adaptable to being employed in piggy back transportation of semi-trailers or intermodal shipping containers on railroad cars. The apparatus of the present invention is designed for flexibility in use and ease of assembly and disassembly which comprises lift assemblies based on the use of ball screws powered from flexible cable drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: J.B. Hunt Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Knott
  • Apparatus and method for transporting automobiles in an enclosed semi-trailer
    Patent number: 5429474
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for converting a semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container from carrying general freight cargo to carrying automobiles. More specifically, the present invention provides for a lift mechanism which is powered by the drive wheels of the automobile being carried by the lift so that a plurality of automobiles may be carried in two levels in an enclosed semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container. The method of the present invention is also adaptable to being employed in piggy back transportation of semi-trailers or intermodal shipping containers on railroad cars. The apparatus of the present invention is designed for flexibility in use and ease of assembly and disassembly which comprises lift assemblies based on the use of ball screws powered from flexible cable drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: J. B. Hunt Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Knott