Abstract: A vehicle includes: a vehicle cabin having a flat floor surface and being configured such that a user can embark; an entrance through which the user can embark and can disembark; a ramp that, at the entrance, extends from the floor surface toward a vehicle exterior; and a turntable that is provided at the floor surface and configured to enable directional change.

Abstract: A method for delivering a fracturing fluid at a well site includes transporting a manifold module using a platform to the well site by supporting the manifold module on a vehicle bed; using the platform to position the manifold module directly over a target location; extending a stand from the manifold module toward the ground; lifting the manifold module off the bed using the extended stand; moving the platform away from under the manifold module; and lowering the manifold module using the stand. These steps are repeated to form a manifold assembly that includes a plurality of serially aligned and interconnected manifold modules. A related system includes a manifold assembly and platform as described.

Abstract: A battery exchange apparatus (e.g., for a battery exchange station positioned at a wayside location of a vehicle route) includes a receptacle mounted to at least one rail for lateral movement along the rail and for pivotal movement around a working axis generally orthogonal to the rail. The receptacle has an open end for receiving a battery from a direction generally orthogonal to the working axis. The apparatus further includes a recharge connector provided within the receptacle and opposite the open end of the receptacle. The open end of the receptacle includes at least two laterally flared surfaces, which are configured to impose at least one of lateral motion or pivotal motion on the receptacle in order to align the receptacle to the battery that is at least one of laterally or angularly misaligned from a lateral midline of the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially environmentally isolating a volume, such as by environmentally isolating the cargo compartment from the passenger compartment of an aircraft. In the context of an apparatus, a barrier curtain is provided that partially defines the volume. The apparatus also includes a cable extending along one or more walls that partially define the volume. The barrier curtain is supported by the cable. The apparatus may also include a cable release mechanism. The cable is held in place by the cable release mechanism and the cable release mechanism is configured to detach the cable at a predetermined load, thereby permitting the barrier curtain to drop in response to a decompression event.

Abstract: A curved wheelchair ramp for ride vehicles of an amusement park attraction, ride, or other environment is provided. In one embodiment, the wheelchair ramp is maneuverable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the wheelchair ramp may form a door to the ride vehicle. In the extended position, the wheelchair ramp extends, in a curve, between an access opening of the ride vehicle to a station platform. In various embodiments, the ramp may have a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The segments may fold together or may nest together.

Abstract: A system for loading, unloading and rail transportation of road-hauled semi-trailers, having multiple wagons (1) constituting a railway train, with each of them incorporating at least one pivotable turntable (14) for accommodating a semi-trailer via its wheel assembly. The system also comprises a detachable hitch mounting (9) that can be gripped by a handling machine which carries the detachable mounting and assembles it, after adjustment on the semi-trailer's pivoting turntable. The hitch mounting is assembled on an accommodating platform (8) that is secured immobile to the wagon chassis (2) and independently of the pivoting turntable, in order to support the front of the semi-trailer during rail transportation. This invention is of interest to rail carriers and railway transport equipment manufacturers.

Abstract: An air cargo container comprising a skeleton structure of interconnected frame members to which are arranged face panels forming at least one wall between the frame members. At least one of the walls comprises an opening providing access to the interior of the container, whereby the opening covers substantially the complete surface area of said wall between the outermost of the frame members. Parts of the outermost frame members forming the peripheral edge of the opening are provided with a connector for connecting a stiffening member to the peripheral edge, said stiffening member being provided to link said parts under tension.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses relating to improved conveying systems, and in particular to providing locomotion preferably using a surface mounted drive mechanism for driving a drive chain are provided. Generally, the conveying system of the present invention is designed to adapt to most manufacturing needs, for example, from furniture manufacturing and finishing to marine and automotive engines. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a conveying system, comprising: at least one load carrying unit having a tow pin assembly, the tow pin assembly further comprising a tow pin configured to link to and delink from a conveyor tow chain, and the tow pin configured to engage and disengage from the conveyor tow chain; a conveyor track configured to house the conveyor tow chain; and a drive assembly configured to receive the tow chain and to provide locomotion to the conveyor tow chain, and further comprising at least one tensioner for tensioning the conveyor tow chain.

Abstract: A transportation unit, such as a wagon and/or train, includes at least one plate-shaped alignment unit, which can rotate about a vertical axis, for picking up a vehicle from a ramp and aligning it. The length of the vehicle exceeds a useful width of the transportation unit, but the width of the vehicle does not project beyond the transportation unit. The alignment unit is mounted on the floor of the transportation unit so as to rotate on a carrier track. The transportation unit carries respective flaps which can pivot onto the ramp or ramps and onto which the carrier tracks extend and as a result also support the alignment unit in a rotated, partially projecting-out state at that location.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transport interchange system includes a roadway that intersects a guideway system such that the roadway is discontinuous across the guideway system. A guideway vehicle is provided that transports an intermodal container over the guideway system. The guideway vehicle is operable to rotate the intermodal container from a first position in which the intermodal container is parallel to the roadway to a second position in which the intermodal container is parallel to the guideway vehicle.

Abstract: Measuring mechanical propulsive power includes establishing a first power and a second power. The first power is associated with a first rate of energy conversion by a device in a fluid, where the device is in the wake of a self-propelled conveyance moving with respect to the fluid. The average distance between the device and self-propelled conveyance may remain substantially unchanged. The second power is associated with a second rate of energy conversion by the device in the fluid without the self-propelled conveyance, where the other physical factors are substantially similar to that associated with the first power. The difference between the first power and the second power is calculated. The mechanical propulsive power for the self-propelled conveyance is determined using mappings, where a mapping associates the difference with the mechanical propulsive power.

Abstract: A transportation unit, such as a wagon and/or train, includes at least one plate-shaped alignment unit, which can rotate about a vertical axis, for picking up a vehicle from a ramp and aligning it. The length of the vehicle exceeds a useful width of the transportation unit, but the width of the vehicle does not project beyond the transportation unit. The alignment unit is mounted on the floor of the transportation unit so as to rotate on a carrier track. The transportation unit carries respective flaps which can pivot onto the ramp or ramps and onto which the carrier tracks extend and as a result also support the alignment unit in a rotated, partially projecting-out state at that location.

Abstract: A rotatable support assembly formed of pivotable sections has upper and lower surfaces and tapered end edges. A riding strip fabricated of an elastomeric material extends over the upper surface from tapered end edge to tapered end edge. A carousel assembly includes a fixed lower section, a rotatable upper section, and equally spaced rollers between the upper and lower sections. A locking assembly includes wells formed into the upper surface. A circular plate has an upper aperture and a locking tab with a lower aperture. The locking assembly also includes a pin extending through the upper and lower apertures. A coil spring between the apertures urges the pin downwardly into a locked orientation to preclude rotation of the support assembly.

Abstract: A utility trailer transport system is disclosed, wherein the utility trailer in the form of a pop-up camper is rotatably mounted via one of a plurality of structures on a transport trailer. The camper is positioned in one orientation for transport and a second orientation for use. A bed on the transport trailer serves to transport equipment and as a deck when the camper is in the second orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically gripping and retaining cargo on a platform includes spaced apart hooks for rotation from retracted positions beneath the platform to extended, cargo engaging positions, in which the hooks engage opposite sides or ends of the cargo; a pivot arm rotatably mounted in the platform and normally extending above the platform, the arm being moved downwardly by the cargo to operate linkage assemblies which cause the hooks to rotate upwardly to the cargo engaging positions. The hooks are returned to the retracted positions by foot pedal operated levers beneath the platform.

Abstract: A log bunk assembly for use on logging truck-trailer units. The bunk comprises a generally horizontal bunk beam having a recess, hub-and-saucer assembly for allowing the bunk beam and trailer/log load to pivot in the horizontal plane, an upper trunnion saddle contained within the bunk beam recess, a lower trunnion saddle, and a trunnion tube attached to a pedestal mounted on the hub-and-saucer assembly. The trunnion tube is clamped between and frictionally engages the upper and lower trunnion saddles. The bunk beam pivots about the horizontal axis of the trunnion tube in the vertical plane. The trunnion tube always remains perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trailer/log load.

Abstract: Pilot-channel apparatus is provided for guiding movements of runnered vehicles, equipment fitted with skid runners and containers with runners for three-dimensional displacements such as loading and transport on/off wheeled trailers and for two-dimensional displacements such as movements within a planar storage area. Unitary and multiple pilot channels incorporate characteristic forms with specified features for safe, reliable engagement with known runner profiles to control lateral and transverse powered movements, especially loading of snowmobiles onto a trailer. Pilot- channel apparatus is supplied in the form of formed shapes and bands of length up to approx. 10 meters which allows customized placement, mounting and spacing of specific pairs of fixed or moveable channels. Specific two- and three- dimensional pilot-channel arrays and kits with specific shapes of pilot channels are indicated for owner- installation on existing snowmobile trailers.

Abstract: Pilot-channel arrays for guiding movements of runnered vehicles, equipment fitted with skid runners and containers with runners are provided for three-dimensional displacements such as loading and transport on trailers and for two-dimensional displacements such as movements within a storage area. Individual pilot channels incorporate specific form for safe, reliable engagement with known runner profiles to control lateral and transverse powered movements, especially loading of snowmobiles onto a trailer. Pilot-channel arrays incorporate specific placement, mounting and spacing of specific pairs of fixed or moveable channels.

Abstract: A working machine for use in a working system in which a pair of working machines, which are capable of traveling both on land and on a riverbed or the like, are respectively used for excavating gravel or the like on the bottom of the water and for transporting the same. The working machine is basically constructed such that an upper structure including an operator's cabin is mounted on a lower structure having a self-traveling mechanism, such as endless tracks, in such a manner that the heightwise position of the upper structure can be varied. The working machine is applied to a dredging machine for a shallow water area having an excavating mechanism juxtaposed in the vicinity of its upper structure, and to a transporting machine for a shallow water area having a load-carrying platform juxtaposed in the vicinity of its upper structure.

Abstract: A rail vehicle has a body with a hollow center section that accommodates the suspension and landing legs of a road semi-trailer thus enabling the combined vehicles to be transported on a rail system with a restrictive loading gauge. The rail vehicle utilizes a two axle suspension arranged around the road vehicle components to provide a rail vehicle of the shortest possible length. Part of the center section of the rail vehicle can be swung outward on a sliding bearing thus enabling a road trailer to be loaded or unloaded from the side by means of a conventional road tractor unit and obviating the need for expensive terminal equipment. The wagon frame joining the parts of the wagon carrying the rail suspension is prestressed to ensure that vertical bearing surfaces of the sliding bearing are maintained in contact thus improving the integrity of the wagon and ensuring operation.

Abstract: A railroad car adapted to receive at least one container from a truck positioned along the railroad car includes a deck mounted on wheels and at least one turntable rotatably mounted on the deck. The turntable includes a pair of spaced, parallel guide tracks which can slidably receive and support a container. A shuttle bar extends transversely across and is slidably mounted on the deck. The shuttle bar is connected to the turntable so that sliding movement of the shuttle bar rotates the turntable between a position in which the guide tracks extend longitudinally along the deck and a position in which the guide tracks extend across the width of the deck. The shuttle bar has hooks on its ends which can be engaged by a bail on the truck to allow the truck to move the shuttle bar and thus rotate the turntable.

Abstract: A self-propelled rail transport vehicle for carrying a hydraulic crawler crane is provided. The transport vehicle is designed to normally travel along the rails of a track and allow crane operation either from the transport or from a ground off-loaded position. The crane may be delivered and loaded on and off the transport at any convenient ground rail location, and when taken off the transport, may be used to lift the transport from the tracks, so as to allow trains to pass unobstructed. The crane may then be used to lift the transport back on the track after which the crane may be loaded onto the transport. Once the job at a site is complete, the carrier and crane may be returned to its original location by rail or by truck. A latching mechanism is located in the center of the carrier deck of the transport. The latching mechanism is adapted to engage with a retractable pin mounted to the underside of the car body of the crane.

Abstract: A swivel platform for a rail vehicle is disclosed. The swivel platform is intended for loading a container from a road vehicle onto the rail vehicle and vice versa. The swivel platform comprises a bottom frame which must be fixed to the rail vehicle and a top frame which can swing relative to the bottom frame through an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rail vehicle. The top frame is provided with two parallel container guide elements which are connected to each other by means of transverse elements, one of which is provided with a wheel or roller which during the swing movement runs over part of the rail vehicle or over part of the bottom frame. Furthermore each of the parallel container guide elements is also provided with a wheel or roller which during the swing movement runs over part of the rail vehicle or over part of the bottom frame.

Abstract: A railroad freight car having a rotatable loading floor for transferring loads between it and a station platform. The railroad station has two platforms on opposite sides of the rail car. An edge of each platform is provided at each longitudinal end with a sloping beam which angles upwardly from the end of the platform towards its center. The lowest part of the beam, which is at the free end of the platform, is below a set of wheels carried on the chassis of the rail car. The center portion of the platform is at a height above that of these rollers. The rollers are arranged to extend laterally of the rail car and to overlie the beams. As the rail car pulls into the station, the rollers will engage the upwardly sloping part of the beams to thereby raise the chassis in relation to its wheels by virtue of extending the suspension as the car continues in its direction of movement.

Abstract: A railroad flat car having a rotatable loading floor for transferring loads between it and a platform. A sleeve is provided in the rotatable loading floor which slidably receives a beam coupled to the chassis. The beam is extended into the sleeve to secure the loading floor in its stowed position during travel. The beam abuts against a steel plate in the sleeve to provide a solid buffer against horizontal motion of the rotatable loading floor along its longitudinal axis, the beam and sleeve also stiffen the rail car to minimize sagging under heavy loads. The end of the loading floor has a pinion gear which meshes with a toothed rack on the chassis. A motor turns the pinion gear to swing the rotatable loading floor into position.

Abstract: A system for transporting a semi-trailer with a king pin and a wheel assembly on first and second drawn vehicles includes a stanchion on the first vehicle for releasably securing the trailer king pin. Ramp assemblies are provided on the vehicles and are extendable therebetween for loading and unloading the trailer. A pair of wheel cradles are independently and pivotally mounted to a butt plate box which in turn is adjustably mounted on a platform of the second vehicle. The wheel cradles receive the wheel assembly and have combination chocks and ramps pivotally mounted thereon.

Abstract: A system for moving receptacles such as highway semi-trailers on railway trains. The system includes a plurality of rail bogies as the sole support of adjacent rear and front ends of the trailers and as the sole connection means between the trailers, to form the trains. The rail bogie has a frame structure supported on spaced apart wheeled axles, defining a pair of end deck surfaces positioned above the wheeled axles and a central drop-deck surface disposed between and below the end deck surfaces. A vertically adjustable fifth wheel assembly is supported above each of the end deck surfaces for receipt of a semi-trailer king pin. A deck plate member is pivotally secured to the drop-deck surface. A pair of transversely spaced, longitudinally extending, internal and external rub-rail members extend upwardly from the drop-deck plate member for receipt of semi-trailer tandems therebetween.

Abstract: A rail car comprises a movable loading floor for use with a pair of platforms of substantially equal height, the platforms being located on respective opposite longitudinal sides of the rail cars for loading and unloading of trailers, motor vans, passenger cars, etc. The rail car has a recessed chassis bottom between the wheeled support trucks thereof, on which is supported the movable loaded floor for carrying and shipping a trailer. The rotatable loading floor is rotatable from a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the rotatable loading floor coincides with the longitudinal axis of the rail car, to a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the rotatable floor is at a given angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the rail car and in which the ends of the rotatable loading floor overlie respective platforms on opposite sides of the rail car.

Abstract: A system for accommodating persons confined to wheelchairs in a public transportation vehicle, such as a bus, includes a main turntable having a padded centerpost. A ramp attached to the vehicle effects conveying of the wheelchair and the person occupying it to the edge of the turntable, allowing the wheelchair to be moved onto one of a plurality of stations into which the turntable is divided. The turntable is then rotated to align another station for receiving another wheelchair from the ramp.

Abstract: In an airplane adapted to carrying cargo, particularly wheeled and/or tracked vehicles, and having a side loading cargo door, a rectangular turntable is installed near the door. The turntable and its pivot are so located that (1) the turntable extends through the door when it is crosswise to the fuselaage and is totally enclosed in the airplane when it is aligned with the fuselage and (2) vehicles longer than the width of the door or width of airplane can be accommodated.

Abstract: A carton supporting platform mounted on a vehicle for rotative movement about a vertically extending axis. Rigid side walls are provided on two opposite sides of the platform and are movable between an upright position and an outwardly diverging retracted position. In the upright position the side walls retain parallelepiped produce cartons placed on the platform in a unitized entity during transportation of the same. In order to unload the unitized entity from the carton supporting platform without adversely affecting the integrity of the unitized entity, the platform is pivoted 90.degree. to permit access by a fork lift truck from the side of the vehicle and the side walls are pivoted outward to release the unitized entity. Mechanism for locking the rotative position of the platform and for moving the side walls is provided. Also provided is a method for effecting formation of the unitized entity and for transporting the same without adversely affecting the integrity of the unitized entity.