Abstract: A conveying device comprising a conveyor bed having a first end and an opposite rear end and a platform rotatably connected to the conveyor bed at the first end. The platform may be rigidly connected to a rotor of the device and the rotor may include a curved roller surface. The platform is preferably substantially offset from a pivot of the rotor. Conveying elements travel over the roller surface to accomplish a smooth extraction or retraction of the conveying elements from within the device. The device is tiltable and may accommodate loading and unloading of luggage into a cargo hold of an aircraft, for instance.

Abstract: A conveying device comprising a chassis and a conveyor bed, the bed connected to the device at a rear pivot and at a lift point, the bed engaging a forward fulcrum or pivot positioned between the rear pivot and the lift point. The bed may be pivotally connected at the forward pivot and at the rear pivot, and the rear pivot may be slidably engaged with the chassis to accommodate height change of the rear pivot. As the conveyor bed is lifted at the lift point which is preferably a pivoting lift point, the bed pivots about the forward pivot and the rear end of the bed is lowered while simultaneously pivoting at the rear pivot.

Abstract: A portable conveying device comprising an inclining base having a conveyor belt, a plurality of articulating conveying elements having powered cargo rollers defining a conveying device transport plane, the conveying elements extendable from and retractable into the base by drive means. The drive means may include a pair of spaced-apart spur gears which have teeth that engage with rack teeth of the conveying elements. The conveying device may include a hollow universal joint having axes of rotation lying substantially in the same plane.

Abstract: A conveying device comprising a conveyor belt, a conveyor belt speed sensor, at least one extending roller selectively extendable from the device, an extending roller speed sensor, a hydraulic motor operatively engaged with the conveyor belt, a proportional valve operatively coupled with the hydraulic motor for modulating the speed of the motor, and a controller operatively connected to the proportional valve for modulating the output thereof, the controller in communication with the belt speed sensor, and in communication with the extending roller speed sensor, the controller thereby controlling the speed of the motor to obtain a desired belt speed.

Abstract: A conveying device comprising at least a first conveying element and a second conveying element, each of the first and the second conveying element comprising a wire harness box having opposing box plates, the wire harness box including a pair of front tabs and a pair of rear tabs, the front tabs extending from box plates generally normal to the rear tabs; and a cargo roller positioned above the wire harness box; and a universal joint having at least two degrees of freedom, the universal joint including a rectangular hollow yoke, each of the front tabs of the at least first conveying element and each of the rear tabs of the second conveying element rotatably fastened to the yoke.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted for exclusively off-road operation and particularly useful as an airport ground support vehicle. The vehicle having an intermediate gross vehicle weight capacity generally in the range of approximately 6,000 to approximately 15,000 pounds. The vehicle having a frame for receiving a variety of vehicle accessories, such as a lavatory service tank, water service tank, maintenance lift or the like, and having a cab-portion for housing an operator of the vehicle located rearward of an engine. The vehicle including a drive train powered by the engine for powering the wheels of the vehicle, where the drive train, frame and engine are adapted to provide the vehicle with the intermediate gross vehicle weight capacity. The frame assembly may include a reinforced ramp resulting in the rear portion of the frame assembly having increased strength for supporting heavy loads while the front portion of the vehicle has lower profile accommodating ease of entry, exit and maneuverability.