Abstract: An apparatus (10) for vacuumizing and sealing a package (322) includes a plurality of platens (12) and vacuum chambers (14), each chamber (14) adapted to mate with a dedicated one of the platens (12); a conveying system (16) for conveying the platens (12) and chambers (14) along a generally angular path having a single axis of rotation (18); an automated loading assembly (20) having a linear component (22c) and configured to load a package (322) onto each of the platens (12); an automated unloading assembly (26) having a linear portion and configured to unload a vacuumized, sealed package (322) from each loaded platen (12) onto an outfeed conveyor (30); and a vacuumizing/sealing system configured to cause relative movement of each chamber (14)/platen (12) pair, along a portion of the angular path, to form therebetween an air-tight enclosure accommodating the package (322) and effect vacuumization and sealing of the package (322).

Abstract: Subject system is a permanent fixture of the vehicle to which attached and is electrically driven (AC or DC) for moving cargo along the floor of a cargo body. Lanyard structure is rigged upon one wall of the cargo body for remotely operating an electrical switch which enables the movement of the conveyor to readily be controlled from any location along the length of the cargo body. A series of load-bearing flaps are hingedly attached to the floor of the cargo body along a common hinge axis which extends along the length of the conveyor and parallel with the travel thereof. Each of the flaps may be swingably moved between: (1) a load-bearing position wherein each one overlays a portion of the conveyor, and (2) a conveyor exposed position wherein each one overlays a portion of the floor along side the conveyor. The flap arrangement is constructed so as to be capable of supporting cargo when in the load-bearing position, although, movement of the subjacent conveyor structure remains unhindered thereby.