Abstract: A silo transport system includes a vehicle and a silo configured to store material when in a vertical orientation supported on the ground surface, and to be transported in a horizontal orientation on the vehicle. The vehicle includes a pivoting cradle supporting the silo in the horizontal orientation and a lock to releasably attach the cradle to the silo. A cradle controller pivots the cradle from a lowered position to a raised position where the silo is in the vertical orientation resting on the ground surface. When the cradle is attached to the silo, the cradle controller pivots the cradle away from the raised position to the lowered position when the silo attached to the cradle is empty, and is inoperative to pivot the cradle away from the raised position toward the lowered position when the silo attached to the cradle contains greater than a threshold amount of the material.

Abstract: A booster axle assembly includes a wheel axle, a suspension system coupled to the wheel axle, a booster frame supported by the suspension system, a main link coupled via a first hinged connection to a rear portion of the booster frame and extending from the first hinged connection in an upward and forward direction, a lock assembly coupled to a forward end of the main link via a second hinged connection, and a lockup frame (with a curved bottom portion that defines a cradle) coupled to a front end of the booster frame by a third hinged connection and coupled to the lock assembly by a fourth hinged connection and a fifth hinged connection.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming at least a first frame section, a second frame section, and a third frame section, where the first frame section is disposed between the second and third frame sections. A pair of elongated gang assemblies are on the first frame section, an elongated gang assembly is on the second frame section, and an elongated gang assembly is on the third frame section. Each of the gang assemblies is horizontally adjustable relative to the frame. An actuator for each gang assembly operably controls the angular adjustment of the gang assemblies, and a fluid source supplies fluid to the actuators. The actuator on the second frame section is a master actuator for one of the actuators on the first frame section, and the actuator on the third frame section is a master actuator for the other actuator on the first frame section.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming at least a first frame section, a second frame section, and a third frame section, where the first frame section is disposed between the second and third frame sections. A pair of elongated gang assemblies are on the first frame section, an elongated gang assembly is on the second frame section, and an elongated gang assembly is on the third frame section. Each of the gang assemblies is horizontally adjustable relative to the frame. An actuator for each gang assembly operably controls the angular adjustment of the gang assemblies, and a fluid source supplies fluid to the actuators. The actuator on the second frame section is a master actuator for one of the actuators on the first frame section, and the actuator on the third frame section is a master actuator for the other actuator on the first frame section.

Abstract: An agricultural or industrial implement has a main frame including longitudinal and cross frame members. Rear main lift wheels are connected to rear lift wheel arms that are pivotally connected to the main frame and can be raised and lowered using a hydraulic lift cylinder. The hydraulic lift cylinder is connected to a center pivot of a lug. The lug has a lower connection point connected to a lug anchor, which is connected to a rear cross frame member. The lug also has an upper connection point connected to two load members. One load member extends diagonally forward from the upper connection point and connects to one of the longitudinal frame members located to the left of the lug. Another load member extends diagonally forward from the upper connection point and connects to one of the longitudinal frame members located to the right of the lug.

Abstract: The present application discloses an improvement to hydraulically operated wing lift wheels used in tillage equipment. According to embodiments of the present invention, a hydraulic lockout mechanism is provided that uses gravity to rotate a weighted latch into a position that prevents full retraction of a hydraulic cylinder when in a certain orientation. When in other orientations, the weighted latch is in a position that allows the hydraulic cylinder to fully retract.

Abstract: A road repair vehicle has an engine for powering the vehicle, a plurality of wheels, and a shelter structure supported above a road by the wheels, the shelter structure forming an enclosure for providing shelter to one or more road repair workers, the shelter structure having an open bottom to enable the one or more road repair workers to access the road to be repaired. The vehicle may be used to repair potholes. The vehicle includes a sensor for detecting a worker in a work area of the shelter structure and for automatically disabling at least one vehicle system in response to detecting the worker in the work area.

Abstract: A road trailer (1) includes, under a chassis (2) with fixed draw bar (4), a main wheelset (3) and a secondary wheelset (6). A retraction device (M, V, 6d) allows the wheelset (6) to be moved in such a way that the trailer (1) rests on the ground (S) selectively either via the main wheelset (3) or via the secondary wheelset (6). An orientation device allows the secondary wheelset (6) to have its direction oriented according to a reversing path followed by a towing vehicle (5) to which the trailer (1) is hitched. Orienting the secondary wheelset (6) allows the trailer (1) to be kept always along the axis of the towing vehicle (5) during reversing.

Abstract: A multi-configurable trailer where the load carrying surface can preferably be raised or lowered to enable the easy loading or unloading of the trailer, and/or a variety of different kinds of attachments which can preferably be removably connected to the chassis of the trailer.

Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.

Abstract: A trailer is disclosed. The trailer may be pulled behind a vehicle such as, but not limited to, a jeep, dune buggy, or ATV. Embodiments of the trailer may include a frame and an adjustable suspension. The adjustable suspension may be used to vary the height of the trailer in order to accommodate different types of terrain and loading. By changing the height, the clearance and/or approach angle of the trailer may be varied. Additional embodiments may include a tongue connected to the frame, which tongue may have an adjustable length and/or height. Where the trailer includes a cover and a tailgate, an optional locking system may be used. In one embodiment, the locking system includes a handle that may release both the tailgate and cover. In some embodiments, the handle may be partially pulled to release the cover while fully pulling the handle may release the tailgate.

Abstract: A trailer system or trailer includes a trailer body having one or more wheel axle assemblies underlying the trailer body at a rear portion. In the trailer system embodiment, included is a detachable trailer neck that has at least one swivel wheel assembly located at a rear portion of the neck. The swivel wheel assemblies can be lifted or lowered using hydraulic or air cylinders. The neck or tongue has a transversely oriented pivot joint with an adjustable tongue weight assembly using springs and an air or hydraulically operated cylinder to adjust tongue weight.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for changing the height of a load supporting portion of a trailer. An axle is rotatably connected to a trailer frame of the trailer for rotation between a towing position and a loading position. The axle has a first portion and a pair of axle shafts that are resiliently mounted with respect to the first portion for rotation over a limited angular range of motion and are biased toward a neutral position. A pair of opposed pivot arms are rotatable in response to rotation of the axle between the towing position and the loading position. The pivot arms are rotatable with the axle shaft of the axle in response to rotation of the axle shaft with respect to the central portion of the axle.

Abstract: A drawn agricultural machine comprising a carrier frame for carrying processing members, the carrier frame supportable on the ground, at least during transport, by means of a wheel set comprising at least a wheel, a coupling frame for coupling the agricultural machine 1 to the three-point suspension of a tractor, the coupling frame comprising two lower coupling points and an upper coupling point and the coupling frame being rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation relative to the carrier frame. The machine also comprises a drawing element for exerting a force on the coupling frame, wherein the coupling frame, the carrier frame and the drawing element are interconnected in such a manner that a downward force component is exerted on the lower coupling points when the drawing element exerts a force on the coupling frame.

Abstract: A multi-configurable trailer where the load carrying surface can preferably be raised or lowered to enable the easy loading or unloading of the trailer, and/or a variety of different kinds of attachments which can preferably be removably connected to the chassis of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer having adjustable elevation is provided which includes a chassis 1 connected with a draw bar assembly 2 by a first linkage means, operating means 8 provided to raise or lower the chassis 1 relative to the draw bar assembly 2, second linkage means connecting pivotal wheel-mount assemblies 4 with the draw bar assembly 2 so that lowering and raising the chassis 1 provides a respective raising, and lowering of the wheel-mount assemblies 4 so that they can be retracted above the chassis 1, the first linkage means including a plurality of link arms 3 adapted to form a substantial parallelogram linkage, between the draw bar assembly 2 and the chassis 1, whereby the draw bar assembly 2 is permitted an arcuate range of motion relative to the chassis 1 while remaining substantially parallel therewith to enable the chassis to be engaged with the ground.

Abstract: Improvements in a lowerable trailer that uses pneumatic cushions to provide both the cushioning of the trailer bed and raising and lower of the trailer bed. The air in the pneumatic cushions can be vented to allow the bed of the trailer to lay flat on the ground. Another pneumatic cushion changes the angle of the bed to the tongue to ensure that both the front and the back of the bed come in contact with the ground. The lowerable trailer is ideal for the transportation of custom vehicles to and from an auto show where the custom vehicles may have limited ground clearance. The pneumatic cushions can be filled with a standard hand pneumatic hand pump or with an air compressor that can be powered by a car battery or an electrical outlet.

Abstract: A rough terrain vehicle including an elongated main frame for supporting a self-contained v-haul body; first and second forwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame; third and fourth rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame, each arm having a wheel mounted thereon. Also included are first and second cross members pivotably connected to the arms configured to enable the main frame and the frame arms to pivot about a lengthwise axis of the main frame. First and second length-adjustable member operatively connected to the first frame arm and the third frame arm and the second frame arm and the fourth frame arm, respectively; selective movement of each length-adjustable member causing the associated arm to move up or down; and a level detector for producing and applying leveling signals to each of the length-adjustable members to maintain the elongated main frame in a relatively level orientation when the vehicle encounters uneven terrain.

Abstract: An intermodal tank container and complementary chassis, and features and methods for use thereof, are disclosed. The intermodal tank container and chassis has an appearance and length substantially similar to a non-intermodal OTR tank trailer, while affording the same capacity as an intermodal tank container. The design of the tank container allows for an improved, lighter design for the chassis and for improved usability of the tank container in intermodal environments such as with rail cars. The reduced weight of the chassis allows for a greater payload while remaining within various applicable legal restrictions for gross vehicle weight, axle weight, etc.

Abstract: Axle lifting device for a vehicle, in particular for vehicle axles with pneumatic suspension, comprising a supporting element, a lifting element, and a lever element, the supporting element and the lever element being connectable to one another via the lifting element such that when the lifting element is actuated, the supporting element is supported on a frame element of the vehicle and the lever element exerts a preferably vertical force on an axle control arm of the vehicle in order to lift the axle control arm, and the lever element is mounted essentially in a stationary manner so as to be rotatable or pivotable with respect to a distal end of the axle control arm and/or the frame element, and the supporting element is rotatably or pivotably supported on the lever element.

Abstract: A trailer having adjustable elevation is provided which includes a chassis 1 connected with a draw bar assembly 2 by a first linkage means, operating means 8 provided to raise or lower the chassis 1 relative to the draw bar assembly 2, second linkage means connecting pivotal wheel-mount assemblies 4 with the draw bar assembly 2 so that lowering and raising the chassis 1 provides a respective raising, and lowering of the wheel-mount assemblies 4 so that they can be retracted above the chassis 1, the first linkage means including a plurality of link arms 3 adapted to form a substantial parallelogram linkage, between the draw bar assembly 2 and the chassis 1, whereby the draw bar assembly 2 is permitted an arcuate range of motion relative to the chassis 1 whilst remaining substantially parallel therewith to enable the chassis to be engaged with the ground.

Abstract: A trailer having a front and a rear. The trailer includes a frame constructed to receive a bed and a hitch attached to the frame at the front of the trailer. A tube is pivotally connected to the frame between the front and the rear of the trailer. First and second support arms are connected to the tube. Each wheel support arm has an axle and a wheel located at its distal end. The trailer further includes means for rotating the tube. In one embodiment, the trailer has an inclining feature and a shoe for ground engagement. The shoe is located vertically below a central axis of the tube and longitudinally between the wheels and the front of the trailer. In a second embodiment, the trailer has an inclining and elevating feature. In this second embodiment, the hitch is pivotally connected to the front of the trailer and there is provided means for rotating the tube and rotating the hitch relative to one another to elevate, incline, or decline the bed.

Abstract: A mower including a hitching structure configured to be connected to a motor vehicle, a cutting mechanism, a maneuvering device configured to bring the cutting mechanism from a working position to a maneuvering position, and a lightening device configured to transfer a part of the weight of the cutting mechanism onto the hitching structure, the lightening device including a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus is for use with a portable bleacher of the type having a lower framework supporting and interconnecting a plurality of generally parallel longitudinally extending bleacher seat assemblies. The framework includes longitudinally spaced laterally extending base members. The trailer apparatus includes a torque tube rotatably attached to a lower part of the bleacher framework and above the base members to extend beneath and generally perpendicular to the seat assemblies. A torque arm is rigidly attached to one end of the torque tube. A first wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to the torque arm on an axis of rotation parallel to the torque tube axis. A generally vertically or horizontally extendable lift jack is coupled at a lower end to the torque arm and operatively coupled at its upper end to the framework.

Abstract: This invention concerns a new grain unloading system using an integrated ramp, horizontal transfer conveyor and elevating system. The unit is towed, positioned and powered by an agricultural tractor.

Abstract: A transportable storage container assembly for transport by a tow vehicle. The assembly includes a trailer having a center rail with a two-point trailer hitch at the front end and a pivotable single wheel at the rear end. The trailer has a first cross channel adjacent the front end of the rail and a second cross channel adjacent the rear end of the rail. A storage container mounted on the trailer includes bottom support skids at each end that seat in the cross channels and are secured in the channels by casters that are attached to the skids through mounting holes in the cross channels. There is a jack on the bottom of the trailer rail movable along the length of the rail to facilitate the raising of the trailer for attachment to, and disattachment from, the tow vehicle trailer hitch.

Abstract: A load carrying vehicle body with a chassis is provided which has a forward support and a rearward support, and which is able to accommodate a load. The rearward support includes a pair of support members each with at least one wheel mounted to one side of a support member. The support members are movable on the chassis between a first position at which the wheels are located within the tracking width of the vehicle and at which the wheels are aligned with the direction of travel of the vehicle, and a second position at which the wheels are displaced laterally from the tracking width to provide access to the rear of the chassis. A first lock is provided between the support members which is able to be interengaged when the support members are in the first position to maintain the wheels in the first position and to enable the support members to cooperate with each other in accommodating the stresses and load exerted thereon when in the first position.

Abstract: A towed implement is provided with ground support wheels mounted to its chassis by trailing wheel support arms and respective suspensions including lift cylinders with which are associated damping devices that operate in such a way as to prevent damage to a respective cylinder from rebounding forces resulting when the suspension is being returned to its operating position by the release of energy stored in spring arrangements of the suspension after being loaded by an obstacle engaging the associated wheel. In one embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a damping spring located between an end of the associated cylinder and piston, and in another embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a gas pressure reservoir which, by virtue the operation of a reversing link in the suspension, is loaded both when the wheel is caused to move in a first direction by engaging an obstacle, and when the wheel is moved in the opposite direction by the airborne wheel once past the obstacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for long vehicles to make sharp turns on city streets without running up on the curb. The back wheels of the vehicle are steered with the aid of a guide control wheel so that when the semi or truck is making a sharp turn, the rear wheels continue straight down the street to the intersection and then turn, even though the semi and the front of the trailer have already turned in a normal manner.

Abstract: A wheeled transport vehicle includes a frame with two slidably interconnected frame members. A tongue projects from one of the members and is operable to move one of the frame members between extended and retracted positions. Wheel mounting members are pivotally connected to the frame. Mechanical linkage interconnecting the wheel mounting members and the tongue result in raising or lowering of the trailer frame. Stabilizers and locks are utilized to maintain trailer stability.

Abstract: A vehicle arranged for raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground wheels for loading comprises a vehicle frame with a hitch at a forward end of the frame and at least two ground wheels for supporting the frame for movement across the ground. Each wheel has a mounting assembly providing driven rotation of a hub carrying the wheel spindle from a raised height of the wheel to a lower locked position. The hub is driven by a hydraulic motor driving a pinion. A fender is mounted on hte vehicle frame for covering the wheel during transport, the fender including two interlocking portions thereof which are spring mounted so as to be movable relative to the wheel to accommodate the movement of the wheel to the raised position. The frame has a rear portion which is movable rearwardly to adjust the position of the load and the rear portion of the fender can be attached to the rear frame portion so as to be moved away from the wheel with movement thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle arranged for raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground wheels for loading comprises a vehicle frame with a hitch at a forward end of the frame and at least two ground wheels for supporting the frame for movement across the ground. Each wheel has a mounting assembly providing driven rotation of a hub carrying the wheel spindle from a raised height of the wheel to a lower locked position. The hub is driven by a hydraulic motor driving a pinion. A fender is mounted on the vehicle frame for covering the wheel during transport, the fender including two interlocking portions thereof which are spring mounted so as to be movable relative to the wheel to accommodate the movement of the wheel to the raised position. The frame has a rear portion which is movable rearwardly to adjust the position of the load and the rear portion of the fender can be attached to the rear frame portion so as to be moved away from the wheel with movement thereof.

Abstract: In a transporting vehicle provided with a trailer hauled by a tractor, the trailer is constructed by a first trailer unit connectable with the tractor and a second trailer unit detachably connectable with the first trailer unit. At mutually opposed connecting sections of the first and second trailer units is provided a connecting mechanism for integrally connecting the first and second trailer units with the rear end of the first trailer unit held in contact with the front end of the second trailer unit. The transporting vehicle can transport cargoes on roads other than main roads while being allowed to have a relatively simple construction and an improved loading capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus is convertible between a pontoon, a camper, and a trailer. The apparatus includes a main frame with longitudinally-extending beams and transverse beams. A retractable wheel frame supporting a double pair of wheels is pivoted to the main frame and is configured to swingingly retract into a center area of the main frame. Side, front and rear pontoons are attached to the main frame, with the side pontoons being extendable laterally to provide increased width to the apparatus. A vertical upright beam is slidably attached to the main frame, and includes a bottom hitch and a top boom, both of which are moved by an actuator attached to the upright beam.

Abstract: A lift assembly for an axle of the trailer of a semi-trailer or of another vehicle such as a straight truck, is mounted generally adjacent to and beneath each suspension beam of the axle/suspension systems of the trailer or other vehicle. The manner of mounting the lift assembly generally adjacent to and beneath the beam provides sufficient clearance for concurrent disposition of a dual service/parking brake chamber adjacent to and beneath the beam. The location and orientation of the axle lift assembly, relative to radial lines emanating from the pivot point of the suspension beam, facilitates the application of efficient lift forces to the beam by the lift assembly, which in turn results in less wear to an air chamber of the lift assembly. The air chamber of the lift assembly can be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled to allow for replacement of the dual brake chamber.

Abstract: A method of draining fluid from a self-supporting transportable storage tank having a rear wheel chassis, a rear drain fitting, and a jack assembly at the forward end of the storage tank is disclosed. The forward end of the storage tank is elevated by extending the jack assembly to lift the forward end thereof off the ground. The rear drain fitting is opened to allow fluid to drain from the storage tank. Alternatively, a front drain fitting may be provided, and the storage tank is drained by lowering the rear wheel chassis to lift the rear-end of the storage tank off of the ground, and opening the forward drain fitting.