Abstract: The valve has a ported valving element which removes from, and seats upon, a ported valve seat, to open and close the valve to fluid flow through a ported stop plate, and the valving element, in relation to ports in the stop plate, has relieved steps formed therein to create rolling vortices in the through-flowing fluid. Additionally, the valve, in a first embodiment thereof, has two ported buffer plates, however, the latter, vis-a-vis the stop plate ports, have no steps; rather the ports therein are of the same dimension as the ports in the stop plate with which they align or register.

Abstract: A cargo elevator system, that includes a pivotable cargo platform, particularly adapted for mounting on a truck. The system is operable through a unique open/close sequence for translating the platform between a substantially vertical, upright storage position, and a horizontal elevator use position that permits the truck to be loaded and unloaded. The system is characterized by a unique latching mechanism for latching the platform in, and unlatching the platform from, the storage position. The system is also characterized by a first fail-safe structure for preventing the platform from swinging on its pivot axis toward ground level beyond its horizontal elevator use position. The system is further characterized by a second fail-safe structure that prevents the platform from moving out of its vertically upright position when so stored.

Abstract: An improved cargo platform system of the type particularly adapted to be mounted on the rear of a truck's cargo body. The cargo platform includes, in the preferred embodiment, a first section pivotally mounted along its front edge to a combined elevating and storing mechanism fixed to the cargo body, and a second section pivotally mounted to the first section adjacent the rear edge of that first section. The two platform sections include support structure adapted to maintain the platform sections in substantially coplanar configuration when those sections are horizontally disposed in the elevating attitude. An interconnect structure is provided that maintains the folded platform sections in latched engagement with the elevating and storing mechanism when the folded platform sections are vertically disposed in the storage attitude.

Abstract: An elevator platform structure that basically includes a framework having side panels and an elevator platform horizontally disposed between those side panels and carried on hydraulic rams positioned within those side panels. The elevator platform includes a fixed horizontal ramp at one end edge thereof, and a pivotable ramp at the other end edge thereof. The pivotable ramp is spring biased so as to restrain same in a horizontal attitude at which the elevator platform may be loaded or unloaded over that ramp, and in a vertical attitude at which that ramp functions as a stop when the platform is loaded. The pivotable ramp is thus structured to cooperate with, e.g., a trailer's floor, during loading and unloading of that trailer. The framework, at the top thereof and adjacent to the fixed ramp end of the elevator platform, includes a safety bar extending across and above the platform to aid in protecting an operator when the elevator platform is in an elevated position.