Abstract: A mobile retractable load deck (12) comprises a platform with a ground running bearing surface (24), for releasably elevating and supporting a load 16 resting thereupon from a support surface (19) at a load collection station and transferring that elevated load to a delivery station (42), where the load deck is retracted to deposit the load and then withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: A non-palletized unit of cargo is formed of multiple bales of hay bound together as a unit by an elongated sheet of a polymer film pre-stretched and wrapped in multiple layers around and in direct engagement with the peripheral sides of the bales so that it can be handled by direct engagement of the bottom surface thereof by the tines of a forklift truck, includes attaching member attached to at least one of the plurality of bales and extending from a side thereof for towing the unit of cargo laterally for positioning it for unloading from a cargo space.

Abstract: A battery pack is effectively transferred between a battery powered vehicle and a cart in order to replace the battery pack with a freshly charged pack. The transfer is facilitated without dropping the battery pack by using a locking mechanism which is operative between a tray which supports the battery pack and a cart upon which the battery pack is transported to the vehicle. The locking mechanism holds the tray in place on the cart until the transfer occurs. The locking mechanism is also operative between the vehicle and the tray to hold the tray and battery pack in place on the vehicle. In order to release the tray from either the cart or the vehicle manual action is required. An attachment mechanism automatically attaches the cart to the vehicle during the transfer to prevent the battery pack from dropping due to unanticipated movement of the cart relative to the vehicle. The attachment of the cart to the vehicle is established upon positioning of the cart in the transfer position.

Abstract: Mobile elevatable platform devices are fitted with an impact absorbing bumper, a truck restraining hook mechanism, and, optionally, a ground anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling compacted business forms including a receiver having a horizontally disposed receiving surface and posts at one end thereof for the receipt of a dolly adapted to delimit and confine a predetermined number of forms on the receiver horizontal surface. The receiver is pivotable to position the dolly on the floor with the predetermined number of forms existing as a stack. Confinement straps associated with the dolly hold the stack in place while the dolly is separated from the receiver and relocated to a processing machine for performing further operations on the forms, the dolly being equipped with mounting holes for returning the dolly on a hand truck to the receiver.

Abstract: A retriever and a cart that are detachably secured to one another are used for retrieving and transporting, respectively, heavy containers of the type found in trash compactors. A pair of biased looking bolts hold the retriever and container together when they are in repose. The locking bolts are retracted by squeezing a latch release handle positioned just below the retriever handle so that the cart and retriever can be easily separated from one another. The cart has curved leading surfaces so that the two parts can be reattached by simply pushing them together; the curved surfaces drive the locking bolts into their respective retracted positions so that the latch release handle need not be activated during the reattachment procedure.

Abstract: An infusion supply apparatus is provided which can be connected with a stationary apparatus such as an overhead support (1) on the one hand, and with a patient transporter (3) on the other hand. In order to allow an easy and locking transfer from one such apparatus to the other the stationary apparatus (1), the patient transporter (3) and a mobile chassis (5) each have a coupling member (2, 4, 9) and a support for the medical appliances has a coupler system (13) cooperating with respective two such coupling members. The coupling system (13) comprises a locking apparatus (19, 20) which unlocks for selective release of an engagement if two coupling members engage the coupling system and which locks upon engagement of a single coupling member.

Abstract: A collection system of recyclable waste includes one or more central vehicles loaded by one or more satellite vehicles all which segregate recyclable materials from non-recyclable materials. The central vehicles are loaded through openings matched to the bins on the satellite vehicles, the latter which may dump their contents along different axes, permitting the bins to be sized flexibly to the openings of the central vehicle and allowing the waste to be loaded and unloaded with a minimum of labor and with reduced risk of commingling. The axis of dumping of the bins and the placement of the receiving openings of the collecting vehicles allow efficient unloading of the segregated material without interference from traffic or unnecessary manual operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading non-palletized units of cargo from cargo containers without docking facilities comprising an elongated mounting bracket for detachable attachment to a bottom door frame of a cargo container, and having a plurality of mounting studs extending outwardly therefrom, a pair of support rails having sockets at one end for receiving and detachably attaching to the mounting studs, and upstanding support legs at the other end for supporting the rails in a horizontal position, and a towing link for attachment at one end to a cargo unit to be pulled onto said rails and attachable at the other end to towing apparatus for towing the cargo unit onto said rails.

Abstract: A shuttle vehicle for transferring objects to and from another vehicle, especially a field harvester. The shuttle has a tower lift for raising a platform carrying objects such as pallets of folded containers to a high elevation forming a tunnel-like opening. The shuttle is equipped with horns and locking hooks to engage a field harvester so that the bed of the harvester is brought into alignment with the bed of the shuttle. Boxes from the shuttle are then pushed through the tunnel-like opening of the tower lift onto the flat bed of the shuttle. Once the harvester is unloaded, the support platform of the tower lift may be lowered and objects carried by the lift placed onto the harvester. In this manner, there is a two-way transfer of goods from one vehicle to the other.

Abstract: A freight car comprises an elongated frame supported on undercarriages, an elongated box for holding bulk material, the box being mounted on the frame and having a bottom and an open top, an elongated conveyor at the bottom of the box for transporting the bulk material in a conveying direction, the conveyor having an input at one end of the box and an output at a box end opposite to the one end, and a transfer conveyor extending in the conveying direction and arranged to receive the transported bulk material from the output of the conveyor, the transfer conveyor having a free end projecting beyond the opposite box end. A centering device is arranged at the one box end transversely displaceably with respect to the elongated frame and transfer conveyor, the free end of a transfer conveyor of a like freight car coupled to the frame at the one box end being detachably connectable to the centering device, and a remote-controlled drive is provided for transversely displacing the centering device.

Abstract: A track-bound freight car comprising a box for storing bulk material, the box having a bottom portion and comprising a longitudinally extending conveyor in the bottom portion of the box, a carrier frame bearing the conveyor, the conveyor and carrier frame having a width exceeding the width of the bottom portion of the box car, and two longitudinally extending side walls, at least a lower portion of the side walls adjacent the conveyor being pivotal about a longitudinally extending axis away from the conveyor, or a lower side wall portion being detachable.

Abstract: A warehouse material handling automation system is disclosed which includes a portable module (22) with which to load and unload material onto and off of an automatic guided vehicle (14). The system operates such that the automatic guided vehicle (14) can calculate its position relative to a destination and follow a route to the destination. In addition, the system operates even when the portable module (22) is displaced or moved from its original position to establish a new destination.

Abstract: A stanchion is provided with a latch system which is operable from the tractor which positions the trailers such that a gate on the tractor locks and unlocks the latch to appropriately reposition the stanchion during the position of the trailer. The tractor also includes a hook which engages the stand to raise the stand during loading of the trailer from its lowered to its raised position to engage and secure the tractor and also to reposition the unlocked stand during unloading of the trailer.

Abstract: A wheelchair for invalids is disclosed as including a separate frame provided with wheels and made in two parts: a small chair part and a support frame. On the upper part of the support frame is a pair of first guides, which are formed and mounted to engage with a small chair upon which the user sits. The small chair is formed and adapted for sliding disengagement from the first guides, for transfer to a pair of second guides associated with an auxiliary support structure situated in the passenger cabin of an automobile.

Abstract: A material transfer machine includes a slat conveyor of substantially the width of a feed hopper of a paving machine. The slat conveyor is supported by caster wheels to be disposed at an incline having a material intake end at a lower end thereof and a discharge end at the opposite upper end of the conveyor. The slat conveyor is mounted to a leading edge of the paving machine such that the upper discharge end is disposed above the feed hopper of the paving machine. A hopper is disposed ahead of the lower intake end of the slat conveyor, supported by a frame which is pivotably attached at a rear end thereof along the sides of the slat conveyor to an understructure thereof. The front end of the frame is supported by caster wheels, such that the frame is capable of joint movement with the conveyor and the paving machine while supporting pivotal movement in a vertical plane in response to grande changes of a base grade.

Abstract: A garbage-collecting truck provided with replaceable containers is disclosed The truck includes replaceable containers that are adapted to be transferred to a trailer coupled to the truck.

Abstract: A fork lift style loading apparatus is provided to improve truck cargo loading and unloading efficiency by allowing an entire truckload of cargo to be set on forks which simply move horizontally into the truck for loading. Loading time is drastically reduced by loading the cargo onto the forks prior to truck arrival. The loading appartus includes a platform lift which adjusts vertically to the truck height, a fork lift body which supports the cargo, and a cargo stand which fits in the cargo bed of the truck. Loading pallets are not required and cargo is handled by the truckload rather than by a pallet load as in a pallet loading system.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of an automated material handling system for a cargo trailer which is integrated with an automated material handling system provided for a manufacturing assembly plant. The system for the cargo trailer includes a protective guard rail for bar-coded targets provided within the cargo trailer, modification of an automated lift truck which permits shifting of parts racks as they are loaded or unloaded from a cargo trailer and also exact positionment of parts racks with respect to an automated lift truck.

Abstract: A system using free ranging automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) for loading and unloading material from a number of trailers is provided. The system employs a plurality of sensors for monitoring both pedestrian, operator driven vehicles and other AGV traffic, and for ensuring that the trailers are parked in position and ready for loading and unloading. The system further includes signals for controlling traffic and a plurality of trailer mounted targets for AGV navigation. During an operation cycle full containers are unloaded from a first trailer and empty containers are loaded on a second trailer.

Abstract: System to feed and discharge materials continuously for the rehabilitation f railway road beds and the like in cooperation with operational machines (21) coupled to a plurality of waggons (10) storing such materials, in which system each storage waggon (10) comprises:hopper (11) to contain materials, with lower movable shutters (12) to open and close the hoppers (11),a lower conveyor (13) cooperating with the hoppers (11) and extending substantially along the whole length of the waggon (10) in a horizontal plane,a upper conveyor (14) extending substantially along the whole length of the waggon (10) in a horizontal plane, andan almost vertical conveyor (16) cooperating with the lower conveyor (13) in the transfer of materials.

Abstract: A unique piano moving apparatus is provided which may be operated to safely and efficiently move a grand piano by one or two individuals of average physical ability. A keyboard and jack assembly having a first support portion is mutually spaced from and intersecured to an opposing end jack assembly having a second support portion. The support portions are respectively adapted to underlie and support the key board and front end portions of a grand piano. The keyboard and jack and oppasing end jack assemblies are operable to lift the piano to a position in which it may be tilted on its side while still being supported by the piano moving apparatus. The tilted piano may then be slid off the moving apparatus onto a movable platform which may then be conveniently rolled to and loaded onto a waiting transport trailer. A winch device may be used to pull the movable platform and piano into the transport trailer.

Abstract: A freight discharge assembly particularly for a unit of railway hopper wagons (10) comprising an endless conveyor (30) arranged to run under the hoppers to receive material falling from the hoppers under gravity, a drive drum (36) at each end of the unit for selectively driving the endless belt in either direction each drive drum being mounted on arms (38) pivotally mounted on the unit whereby each loop of the endless belt around each drum (36) can be moved away from the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for lifting and stacking cartons onto a bed attached to a truck bed, especially in an agricultural field. The lifting apparatus includes two endless parallel belts to lift the cartons from the field onto a first conveyor. Variations in carton size or alignment may be accommodated by a pivoting loading frame or by lateral movement of the loader, which lateral movement is compensated for by a self-alignment mechanism. Cartons are transported to an elevator via a first and second conveyor. The elevator lifts the cartons to the level of a palletizer with a false floor wherein a reciprocating and pivoting transfer head removes the cartons from the elevator and deposits them onto the prestacking area of the palletizer false floor. Cartons may be selectively rotated into a transverse loading position by the transfer heads. Upon assembly of a first row of cartons, a tamping bar extends to position the cartons against the truck tailgate or against previously stacked cartons.

Abstract: The invention provides conveying apparatus consisting of a framework adapted to stand beside a vehicle and having a floor in substantial alignment with a battery support bed of the vehicle. Longitudinal track devices extend parallel to the floor on the framework and spaced from the floor to receive the battery between the floor and the track devices. A transport mechanism has drive devices coupled to the track devices for operation to move the transport mechanism longitudinally along the track devices and a coupling assembly is attached to the transport mechanism for movement with the transport mechanism and includes an upwardly biased connector adapted to releasably engage the battery so that on operation of the transport mechanism the battery may be loaded onto or unloaded from the floor.

Abstract: A bomb handling system includes a plurality of mobile frames, each having a pair of rails and carrying members on the rails. Each pair of carrying members supporting corresponding ends of a bomb and there being locking mechanisms with separate, common actuators at particular locations along the lengths of the rails selectively to arrest a pair of carrying members in transversely aligned positions at a location and to allow such pair to travel past a location. The mobile frames may be attached in a train with their pairs of rails in end-abutting relation and including blocking mechanisms which releasably prevent transfer of a pair of carrying members from one frame to the next. A mobile frame may include a mechanism to elevate its rails so that loaded and positioned bombs may be raised for attachment to an aircraft.

Abstract: A loading conveyor for a mobile concrete mixing machine is disclosed wherein the conveyor is provided with a receiving hopper for receiving a supply of material from an external source of supply. The chain and slat conveyor is provided with an elevating portion that conveys the material from the hopper to a delivery portion which permits selective delivery to one of two aggregate supply bins. The floor of the conveyor is disposed between an upper delivery run and a lower return run and is provided with a movable section actuated by hydraulic cylinders to selectively create an opening in the floor over one or the other of the aggregate supply bins. The return run is operable to redistribute piled material within the supply bin during operation of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing concrete at a job site is disclosed wherein the machine is provided with separate aggregate supply bins and a cement supply bin which are arranged in a generally linear fashion on a mobile frame and sized to hold at least a standard truck load of material. Delivery conveyors in operative communication with the supply bins convey material from the bins into a mixing auger where the materials are combined with water to produce concrete. A loading conveying is operable to receive different aggregates from delivery trucks and convey the aggregates to the respective supply bins while the machine continues forward movement along a path of travel. As a result, the concrete production machine can produce and discharge concrete in a continuous manner along its path of travel without stopping for frech supplies of materials.

Abstract: In a trailer train combination having a tractor, lead trailer and one or two more following trailers, an adjustable dolly under the front end of each following trailer provides for close coupling of the multiple trailers in end to end contact. Then the multiple trailers are lifted to inclined position causing the upper trailer or trailers to discharge its flowable contents out through the lower trailer in a self unloading operation. The dolly has a slidable fifth wheel assembly and self steering ground wheels which may be locked in straight forward positions. A cab controlled electric and pneumatic control system controls these and other functions in the dolly. The trailers may be equipped with walking floors for self unloading in level positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing compost to the beds of a mushroom house includes a mobile, freestanding, selectively positionable distributor, which receives compost and using a conveyor mounted upon it, distributes the compost to the beds. The distributor is fed from above, by a movable guide supported above the distributor, the guide being so positioned and arranged as to direct material onto the conveyor of the distributor. The guide, in turn, is supplied by a system of conveyors, which transport material from a receiving point to the guide.

Abstract: A variety (FIG. 4) of aero engines (30) can be rear-loaded into an aircraft cargo bay (10) with precision and safety and minimal clearance with the sides of the bay (10) by installing a roller conveyor trackway (20,22) along two seat rails (12,14) running the length of the bay (10) and its bottom-hinged rear-loading ramp (15). A ground trailer (33) carrying the engine (30) on its yoke (31) is coupled to a dolly (37) running on the trackway (20,22) and the yoke (31) transferred from rails (32) on the trailer (33) to rails (36) on the dolly (37). The dolly (37) is then winched (27) along the trackway into the bay (10) where it is made secure for flight of the aircraft. The dolly (37) can be dismantled when not in use and the trackway (when installed) is useful when pallets are to be transported.

Abstract: A wheel chair is provided which is adapted to permit the chair to be separated from the wheeled chassis so that the chair may be positioned on a seat of an automobile. The wheeled chassis provides support for the chair on the side of the chair so that the chair may be brought into the automobile through the open door with the wheeled chassis moving beneath the automobile. The support for the chair is rotatably on the wheeled chassis so that the chair can be rotated into alignment with the seat in the automobile. The support for the chair is also vertically adjustable so that the chair may be lowered to rest on the automobile seat. The wheeled chassis and support for the chair may then be disassembled and stored in the automobile.

Abstract: A harvesting system for wet soil crops, such as broccoli and cauliflower, includes a harvest/shuttle vehicle and complementary trailer. The vehicle may be operated in a harvest mode in concert with detachable harvesting wings to accumulate a load of produce during a harvest. Thereafter, the harvest vehicle may either transfer the load to a similar vehicle used in a shuttle mode to transport the load to the highway, or the wings may be detached from the vehicle and the vehicle may be operated in the shuttle mode to transport the load to the highway. In either application, the harvest remains uninterrupted because the harvesting wings continue to remain in use in the field. After a load is transported from the field to the highway, it is readily transferred to a trailer. The trailer includes a trailer bed that is readily adjusted between a load receiving elevation and a load transporting elevation.

Abstract: A system for transporting and erecting very large, very heavy construction equipment such as cranes, earth augers or the like. Basically, the system consists of three components. The first component is an on-site movable support which can mount the working component such as a crane, auger, or the like during the construction work and which is movable with the working component at low speeds off-road at the construction site and at higher highway speeds on-road when the working component is removed. The second or working component consists of a crane, earth auger or the like and associated control drives. The third component is a large highway qualified truck which includes a mechanism for mounting the working component. In use, the working component is mounted on a truck which is driven to the construction site. The first component is also driven to the construction site and is aligned with the truck. A transfer mechanism then slides the working component from the truck to the on-site movable support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a load-elevating carrying device having a load-discharging push mechanism for accurate direct transference of a load from the load-elevating carrying device without the necessity of repeated positioning and adjustment maneuvers of the load device during off-loading procedure. The apparatus of the invention includes a platform member for receiving a load which has a generally vertical wall joined to and extending uprightly from one edge thereof and motion guide elements fixed to the platform member for enabling the motion thereof along a rectilinear path corresponding to the movement of the motion guide elements in response to a force applied in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus is provided wherein a forward harvesting machine tows a rearward shuttle truck, both vehicles being self-propelled, with the harvesting machine having a crop collection system comprising a series of conveyors which convey the crops from a pair of forward wing conveyors through a cleaning/fungiciding station to a pair of on-board longitudinally extended conveyors spaced on opposite sides of the harvesting machine. Between these two spaced longitudinal crop conveyors extending centrally down the bed of the harvesting machine is a full box conveyor for boxes which have been packed, and between the full box conveyor and the crop conveyors are the respective work areas having sorting bins and packing stands enabling workers in these areas to remove individual crops such as melons from the outer crop conveyors and place them in the boxes, and then place the boxes on the central full box conveyor, which is moving rearwardly.

Abstract: A railroad station with at least two main tracks for freight trains with container-carrying flatcars has several pairs of ancillary tracks each flanking a respective main track, the ancillary tracks being used by respective sets of self-propelled transfer vehicles each having a length substantially corresponding to that of a flatcar. Each transfer vehicle is divided into four identical sections having respective pairs of transport arms which are laterally extendable in either direction to support containers of full or fractional lengths to be moved from or onto a flatcar, another transfer vehicle or a road vehicle aligned therewith. The spacing of the transport arms of each pair differs between vehicles on neighboring ancillary tracks to enable their extension into an interleaved position for a transfer of a container therebetween.

Abstract: In an articulated combine, the hinge arrangement connecting the front and rear bogies consists of spaced-apart upper and lower links. The lower link construction provides for oscillation between the bogies as well as establishing a steering pivot center. The upper link normally lies in a fore-and-aft plane and is pivotally connected between rearward upper portions of the respective bogies, thus spanning the length of the rear bogie. The hinge arrangement also provides part of the structure for a conveyor for conveying clean grain between the front and rear bogies. In one embodiment, the upper link comprises an auger tube into which clean grain is introduced by a clean grain elevator and cross auger. In another embodiment, the lower link assembly does double duty as an auger conveyor housing.

Abstract: An air transportable cargo loader for an airplane includes a platform body supportively coupled to articulated foldable leg assemblies at its opposite ends. The leg assemblies are independently foldable between extended positions wherein they support the respective ends of the platform at a height sufficient to serve the cargo openings of a commercial transport airplane and retracted positions wherein the leg assemblies are folded compactly against the underside of the platform body for stowage within the airplane. The cargo loader can be deployed from an airplane for loading and unloading operations without any ground-based assistance, and can be likewise loaded aboard and stowed in the airplane without assistance and further can support cargo while so stowed.

Abstract: A wheelchair construction having means incorporated therein for the transfer of a seat element supporting an invalid from a wheeled frame to the seat of an automobile or other vehicle. The wheeled frame includes electrically or otherwise powered lifting means which in turn supports a platform mounting transversely extending tracks. The seat element is guided by the tracks for lateral movement. A similar set of tracks is carried by a platform supported upon an automobile seat, the tracks having extensions which in extended condition communicate with the tracks on the wheeled frame. The seat element with the invalid thereon is selectively transferred by first adjusting the level of the lifting means whereby the tracks on the frame are placed in coplanar relation relative to the tracks on the platform supported by the automobile seat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for transferring cargo between an unpowered roller bed and a powered roller bed by a self-propelled, mobile, steerable vehicle having a powered roller bed and a retractable friction drive on one end thereof. When transferring a cargo loaded pallet between the two powered roller beds, the friction drive retracts within one end of the vehicle chassis, and said end of the vehicle is moved into abutting engagement with the powered roller bed. When transferring a pallet between the vehicle's driven roller bed and an unpowered bed of interconnected rollers, the friction drive is extended to frictionally engage and drive the unpowered rollers in either direction. The specification also discloses an improved vehicle, per se, having a powered roller bed and a retractable, selectively operable friction drive for providing power to interconnected rollers of a roller bed.

Abstract: A cart for use in transporting and demonstrating business machines and the like, the cart comprising a wheel section and a handle section each having spaced apart pairs of track forming frame members along which a carriage for mounting a business machine is adapted to travel from a transport position in which the carriage lies adjacent the lower end of the wheel section to a demonstration position adjacent the upper end of the handle section which is curved to permit the upper end of the handle section to be seated on the top of a desk, the handle section mounting spring assist means in the form of a spiral spring the end of which is operatively connected to the carriage to counterbalance the weight of the business machine as the cart is moved from one position to the other, the cart having a detachable support leg which, in its position of use, converts the cart into a free-standing demonstration stand, a trunk loading attachment also being provided, the attachment comprising a track forming frame extension

Abstract: A service cart is provided for transferring thereto and therefrom a vehicle engine assembly which includes a support frame having parallel side members to each of which a set of rollers is mounted. The frame is releasably matable with a vehicle chassis for movement into and out of an operative position in the vehicle through an end of the chassis. The cart comprises a base and a pair of rails with which the frame rollers are engageable. The rails are movably mounted on the base, in parallel relation and spaced a distance corresponding to the spacing between the frame rollers, by an arrangement which includes means guiding the rails vertically relative to the base. The rail mounting arrangement also includes jack means coupled between the base and the rails for adjusting the vertical spacing between the base and each end of the rails.