Means Comprises Tiltable Load-supporting Portion Patents (Class 414/346)
  • Patent number: 11912085
    Abstract: The application discloses a Drop Deck Trailer having a pivoting axle system that allows the deck of the trailer to be incrementally lowered to the ground. When coupled to a tow vehicle, the partially lowered deck becomes a ramp to load and unload a vehicle. The unloaded trailer can be backed into a standard garage, uncoupled, and lowered completely to the ground. The UTV or light vehicle can then be front-loaded on the trailer. This capability allows the convenience and cost savings of simultaneously storing a UTV or other light vehicle in the same standard garage space. A unique articulated tongue assembly allows the operator to minimize the footprint of the parked trailer, allowing smaller spaces to be used for storage or simply eliminate a trip hazard. The Drop Deck Trailer is a combination of innovative features that provides convenience and cost savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: David Mahon
  • Patent number: 11679897
    Abstract: An unloading system comprises an upper-opening chamber for receiving airplane-derived refuse, a chute, a chute-connected safety gate which is settable in falling preventing relation with respect to an access door of an airplane from which the refuse is unloadable into the chute and to the chamber, and an air brake assembly for immobilizing the safety gate when the chute ceases to be vertically displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Alon Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan Jetten, Zohar Alon
  • Patent number: 11053107
    Abstract: A jack pad holding devices for supporting a jack pad to an aircraft, and a method for jacking an aircraft are provided. In one non-limiting example, the jack pad holding device includes a coupler housing configured for holding the jack pad. Coupling elements are coupled to the coupler housing and are configured to couple to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventors: Patrick Leonard, Timothy Bago, James Perdue, Derek Shearouse
  • Patent number: 10926784
    Abstract: A hand truck for use loading and unloading items from a pallet, the hand truck having a base having a arms spaced evenly apart; a back having two or more rails, the two or more rails extending upward from two or more of the arms of the base; a handle secured to the back; and two or more wheels attached to the two or more rails; the two or more arms, the two or more rails, and the two or more wheels are horizontally aligned, thereby creating a spacings for allowing one or more elongated members of the pallet and/or shelving to fit therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Wade Henderson
  • Patent number: 10864524
    Abstract: An auger system adapted to shred large materials. An exemplary embodiment is comprised of dual opposing augers that are adapted to grab, compress, and shred the material, reducing the material size such that it may be discharged through a side outlet opening and/or an extrusion tube into, for example, a standard roll-off compaction container. An exemplary embodiment allows large material to be processed in a low speed device with reduced equipment dimensions, providing operator safety with low profile loading, lower noise level, reduced chances of material being expelled from the processing chamber, and ability to use conventional material transport (e.g., semi-trucks).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventors: Mark E. Koenig, Larry E. Koenig
  • Patent number: 9182419
    Abstract: A conveying system for material samples, especially medical samples, comprising a conveyor track forming at least one conveying section and at least one self-propelled sample holder displaceable along the conveying section holding a sample vessel. The holder comprises a drive motor, an energy accumulator for supplying the motor with energy and a friction wheel, drivable by the motor, for transmitting force onto the track. The track has at least one guide structure forming the conveying section. The holder has exactly one wheel on a lower side facing the track in operation, and has at least two sliding elements which rest on the track in operation and slide along the track's surface, the sliding elements and the wheel lying on the vertices of a triangle. The holder, on its lower side, has a guide element for cooperation with the guide structure in the track to guide the holder along the conveying section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: GLP Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Hecht
  • Patent number: 8459925
    Abstract: A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention may include a table and a pin secured to the transfer bed. The table may pivot on a horizontal axis allowing the transfer bed to be placed in a horizontal orientation during inclination of the tilt frame. The table may also pivot on a vertical axis so that the transfer bed may swing side-to-side, and may also pivot on a z-axis enabling the transfer bed to roll side-to-side relative to the table. An adjustable carriage with independently movable stabilizer legs may be used to level the transfer bed on uneven ground. The tilt frame may also include an extendable boom and a retractable roller system to facilitate loading and unloading of material such as flat rack platforms and pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: Dean T Mullin, John M Cullum, David W Bannon, Christopher L Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8418731
    Abstract: A method for the filling and optionally emptying transport containers with plastics granular materials, in which a flexible plastics inliner is inserted into a transport container. A front side of the inliner includes at least one receiving flexible hose connection for filling the inliner with plastics granular material, at least one discharge hose connection for discharging blown in conveying air from the inliner, and at least one emptying hose connection for emptying plastics granular material from the inliner. The front side of the inliner also includes a protective liner. The cabin and the transport container are positioned at a decanting station, the cabin being adapted to transfer plastics granular material from the decanting station and decant the transferred plastics granular material into the transport container through the receiving hose connection. The transport container is then filled with plastics granular material utilizing the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Christian Kords, Reiner Horl, Uli Franz, Raimund Zimmermann, Norbert Schniesko
  • Publication number: 20130045068
    Abstract: Provided is a chute apparatus for a dump body configured to easily transfer material from a dump body directly into a small cargo mover, such as a wheelbarrow. The chute apparatus comprises at least one side wing which may be rotatable with respect to a side wall of the dump body. The chute may further comprise a floor panel, which may be rotatable with respect to the floor of the dump body. When in working position (with side wings rotated in towards the center and the floor panel raised) and dump body titled into a raised position to unload the material, the raised floor panel lifts an exit point where the material is unloaded from the dump body, which allows the small cargo mover to be placed directly in line and preferably under the flow of material from the dump body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: JOHN L. MARTIN
  • Patent number: 8142134
    Abstract: A transportable apparatus has a main body in a working position with a bottom end resting on the ground. The bottom end of a frame is pivotally attached to the main body above the bottom end of the main body and the frame is aligned with a side of the main body. An actuator pivots the frame downward about the pivot axis to a transport position where the frame extends substantially horizontally away from the main body. Wheels support the frame and a hitch at a top end of the frame is adapted for connection to a tow vehicle when the frame is in the transport position. When the frame is connected to a tow vehicle, the actuator can be operated to pivot the main body downward about the pivot axis to a lowered transport position where the main body rests on the frame for transport on the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Lavoie, Erin Herman, Alvin Herman
  • Patent number: 7992704
    Abstract: An improved material transport vehicle having an integrated assembly for cleaning out conveyors, elevators, hoppers and the like, and method for clean-out utilizing the same. The cleanout assembly comprises one or more detachable panels strategically located about the material transport vehicle, and means for releasing the same, so as to permit convenient and safe access to the components for removing unused, old or dried material. The detachable panel or panels are integral with a surface of the housings, typically the lower surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Weiler, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Weiler
  • Patent number: 7568881
    Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading large containers using both a hook lift and cable winch mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: M & D RP, LLC
    Inventor: Virgil L. Collins
  • Patent number: 7487981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reuseable seat delivery pallet for transporting seats. The seat delivery pallet includes a platform, and spaced-apart first and second locking tracks positioned on the platform for securing a seat thereto. The first and second locking tracks are adapted to receive feet of the seat therein and to permit the seat slide between a locking position and a release position. The seat delivery pallet also including a lock positioned on the platform for cooperating with the seat to maintain the seat in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Cromie
  • Patent number: 7470099
    Abstract: The present invention for the first time proposes a system for loading and unloading loose cargo in a cargo hold, preferably of a plane. The system comprises a conveyor apparatus for transporting the loose cargo between a tarmac level or the like and a cargo hold opening, wherein the conveyor apparatus comprises a transport organ on whose transport side the loose cargo lies during loading and unloading. Moreover the system comprises an intermediate conveyor means which rests on the transport side of the conveyor apparatus in the range of a cargo hold-side end thereof and extends into the cargo hold for conveying loose cargo lying on a conveying side of the intermediate conveyor means between the conveyor apparatus and the cargo hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Telair International AB
    Inventor: Hans Bengtsson
  • Publication number: 20080292434
    Abstract: An embodiment of an assist device for maneuvering a tire and wheel assembly is provided. The device comprises a base member, a support frame configured to support a tire and wheel assembly thereon, and a sliding mechanism disposed between the base member and support frame, wherein the sliding mechanism is configured to move the support frame sideways, forward, and backward relative to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Michael John Wolterman
  • Patent number: 7261202
    Abstract: A conveying device comprising at least a first conveying element and a second conveying element, each of the first and the second conveying element comprising a wire harness box having opposing box plates, the wire harness box including a pair of front tabs and a pair of rear tabs, the front tabs extending from box plates generally normal to the rear tabs; and a cargo roller positioned above the wire harness box; and a universal joint having at least two degrees of freedom, the universal joint including a rectangular hollow yoke, each of the front tabs of the at least first conveying element and each of the rear tabs of the second conveying element rotatably fastened to the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: NMC-Wollard, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Canapa
  • Patent number: 7077615
    Abstract: A ground apparatus for loading and unloading a cargo compartment of an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a frame, a first conveyor frame comprising a first conveyor with a flat cargo-engaging surface, a first actuator, a routing station for receiving cargo advanced thereto by the first conveyor, a second conveyor frame comprising a second conveyor with a flat cargo-engaging surface, a second actuator, a third conveyor, and controls for activating the third conveyor. The second conveyor frame is pivotally supported at the first end of the second conveyor so as to be sideways movable, and the third conveyor is arranged at the routing station. The routing station allows selective routing of the cargo received from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor or onto the third conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Rampsnake A/S
    Inventors: Lars Thøgersen, James Stuart Wallace
  • Patent number: 7025556
    Abstract: An agricultural transfer table enables rapid transfer of harvested agricultural material from a dump truck to a silo or the like. The agricultural transfer table comprises a box with an open front end. Apron chains in the box propel the material to the box back end, where cross chains discharge the material out a selected side. A prime mover and hydraulic system are part of the agricultural transfer table, so no source of external power is required to operate it. A tongue is closeable to enable the agricultural transfer table to be towed by a tractor. The tongue is openable to allow the truck to back up close to the agricultural transfer table front end. The front end is tiltable downwardly toward the ground. The truck back wheels back up ramps at the front box end. The ramps are storable inside the box when the agricultural transfer table is towed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Michael J. Koffman, Arthur Beck
  • Patent number: 6860496
    Abstract: An improved dolly system including at least three dollies adjustably interconnected as a system to allow a trailer or other vehicle to be loaded therein. The dollies are adjusted for the width and the length of the trailer to mate the dollies with the wheels of the trailer. Four dollies can be adjustably connected in a system to provide a vehicle dolly system. The system can include one or more brakes and once loaded the system can be moved in any direction to facilitate the maximum use of available parking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Novak, Doug S. Bailey, Fred C. Casto, Kenneth Algiene
  • Publication number: 20040109745
    Abstract: A sortation system comprises a plurality of transport units (32, 33) connected end to end to form a continuous train and mounted for movement along a track defining at intervals alongs its length destination ports at which items carried by the transport units may be discharged under the control of a central control system (41). The central control system (41) comprises a radio frequency transmitter device (39) through which control signals to the continuous train (32, 33) are transmitted and the continuous train (32, 33) comprises a radio frequency receiver device (39) for receiving the transmitted control signals. The radio frequency transmitter device (39) is connected to a leaky feed aerial (38) which extends the length of the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: John Nathan Wood
  • Patent number: 6615973
    Abstract: The present invention is a cart that facilitates the unloading and loading of a toolbox from a vehicle used to transport the toolbox from one jobsite to another. Fundamentally, the cart comprises a support frame, with u-shaped wheel channels atop the frame, and wheel channel ramps pivotally connected to the frame such that the ramps can bridge the cart to a vehicle for loading or unloading a toolbox. The preferred embodiment of the invention has a frame that is rectangular in shape, and comprises vertical support legs connected by a plurality of lengthwise lower and top rails, and a plurality of transverse cross members. The top rails are u-shaped wheel channels that receive the wheels of the toolbox being loaded or unloaded from a vehicle. A pair of wheel channel ramps is pivotally connected to one end of the top rails, and when extended, the ramps can serve to connect the cart to the vehicle. The cart itself is fastened to and sits atop wheels such that the cart easily can be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Casey Fritter
  • Patent number: 6447234
    Abstract: A livestock loading/unloading system for transporting livestock from/to a confinement area to/from a transport vehicle to allow transport from farm-to-farm, from farm-to-processing plant or from processing plant-to-farm. The livestock loading/unloading system includes a mobile conveying apparatus whereby the livestock ride a conveyor from/to the confinement area to/from a transport vehicle. Such a transport vehicle may be specially adapted for use in conjunction with the conveying apparatus, or may be of the conventional livestock transporting type. The conveying apparatus includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from the coops of the transport vehicle. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Turkey Scope, LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Sinn, John D. Wilham, James Pyle, Richard Bloome
  • Patent number: 6390759
    Abstract: An improved roll cart that allows an individual to move and transport a large roll of paper. The roll cart includes a rolling frame that supports a pivoting carriage for holding and stabilizing a large roll of paper. The pivoting carriage is pivotally attached to a frame so that the carriage can pivot within the frame to allow a roll of paper to be rolled on to or off of the carriage with minimal effort and without lifting or damaging the roll of paper. The roll cart also includes a unique combination braking/locking mechanism and can be securely maintained stationary with respect to a surface by engaging the brake portion of the mechanism. When the brake is engaged, rolling of the device is impeded and the carriage tilts to facilitate loading and unloading of a roll by rolling the roll on to or off of the carriage. When the brake is disengaged, the device is free to roll but the carriage is restricted from tilting by a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Novak, Doug S. Bailey, Fred C. Casto
  • Patent number: 6369376
    Abstract: A conveyor is described which includes, for example, a bucket wheel arranged on a jib for reducing especially compressed stockpiles or, respectively, for piling up bulk goods, conveyor is constructed so as to pick up or pile up piled-up bulk goods. The conveyor includes a measuring device for measuring the surface profile of the stockpile device. The conveyor is associated with a control device which is constructed so as to move the conveyor automatically to the desired removal or, respectively, piling-up position in dependence on the measured stockpile surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20020015635
    Abstract: A livestock loading/unloading system for transporting livestock from/to a confinement area to/from a transport vehicle to allow transport from farm-to-farm, from farm-to-processing plant or from processing plant-to-farm. The livestock loading/unloading system includes a mobile conveying apparatus whereby the livestock ride a conveyor from/to the confinement area to/from a transport vehicle. Such a transport vehicle may be specially adapted for use in conjunction with the conveying apparatus, or may be of the conventional livestock transporting type. The conveying apparatus includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from the coops of the transport vehicle. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: STEVEN C. SINN, JOHN D. WILHAM, JAMES PYLE, RICHARD BLOOME
  • Patent number: 6238162
    Abstract: A transportable apparatus for unloading material directly from a dump truck onto a conveyor assembly. The transportable apparatus includes an inclined ramp that is adapted to permit a dump truck to back onto the ramp. A hopper assembly is movably mounted to the rear end of the inclined ramp and is positioned to receive material unloaded from the dump truck. The hopper assembly includes a hopper bin mounted to the back end of the inclined ramp by a pair of support arms. The first end of the each support arm is connected to a drive member such that the hopper bin can be raised and lowered relative to the inclined ramp. A wheel assembly is also mounted to the rear end of the inclined ramp. The wheel assembly is mounted between a pair of support arms. The inner end of each support arm is pivotally connected to the inclined ramp, while the outer end of the each support arm for the wheel assembly is connected to a wheel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Putz Heister, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin G. Mayer, Don T. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6109171
    Abstract: The invention is an air permeable screen that extends upward from a leeward wall of a cotton module maker. The screen is used to prevent cotton being dumped into said module maker from being blown away by wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Leo J. Ruzicka
    Inventor: James H. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6010296
    Abstract: A seat stowage cart enables loading, transporting, and stowing a removable vehicle seat of the type found in sport utility vehicles. The seat is drawn manually upon a pair of ramps which pivot on a frame. The seat passes over the pivot axis, urging the ramps toward a seat stowage position, therein supported by a pair of support members. The ramps are adjustable for seats of varying width. The frame is selectively variable in height, and includes wheels. A pawl is provided for releasably locking the ramps against pivoting, and for blocking the seat wheels from rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Bruce G. Enders
  • Patent number: 5902089
    Abstract: A poultry loading apparatus for transporting poultry from a confinement area such as a poultry house to a transport vehicle to allow transport of poultry from farm-to-farm or from farm-to-processing plant. The mobile poultry loading apparatus includes a conveyor system whereby poultry ride from a confinement area to the transport vehicle during loading. The conveying system includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from a coop during the loading process. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Steven C. Sinn, John D. Wilham, James D. Wilham, Richard Bloome
  • Patent number: 5899654
    Abstract: A commodity container flow initiator is shown for initiating gravity flow of a commodity from a bin having typically four sides and a bottom, wherein one side is the unloading side of the bin when the bin is tipped on that side for unloading, wherein the invention has a substantially rigid planer member comprising a sliding deck that is slidably attached to the inside of the unloading side of the bin so as to allow the deck to selectively slide any direction substantially coplaner with the unloading side of the bin. Hydraulic cylinders are affixed to the bin and to the deck to provide moving force to slidably move the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: Colin H. Treeby, Robert P. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5890866
    Abstract: A transporter (10) for moving itself and a load (12) between storage and work positions at different levels. The transporter (10) includes a lift assembly (16) and a support assembly (14) pivotally or slidably mounted on the lift assembly (16). The lift assembly (16) is operatively connected to the support assembly (14) for movement between transporting and storage positions. The support assembly (14) includes wheels (26, 37) for providing movement for the entire unit in either the transport position or the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Gear-Rig, LLC
    Inventor: Craig C. Scheibel
  • Patent number: 5816997
    Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms coming from a folder and moving to a conveyor. A table is position adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontal stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: H. W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 5795123
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method for transferring load units between two carriers. A first carrier includes a transfer arrangement which is an extendable and retractable arm that moves transverse to the first carrier and forms a path for a carrying member movable along the arm. A second carrier includes elevating securing members which engage a load unit. The method includes the steps of extending the arm from the first carrier so that the arm will be supported by the second carrier, displacing the carrying member along the arm to a position under the load on the second carrier, lowering the load onto the carrying member by lowering the securing members, and transferring the load with the carrying member along the arm to the first carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Sten Lovgren
  • Patent number: 5651656
    Abstract: A ramp car for use in an intermodal train includes a ramp having a set of rail wheels mounted at one end and a connector at the one end for coupling the ramp car to a flat bed rail car. A second connector, including lifting apparatus, is operatively associated with a second end of the ramp car opposite the one end for coupling the ramp car to a locomotive. A coupling apparatus is provided at the second end of the ramp car for coupling to the locomotive to permit both raising and lowering the second end and pushing and pulling the ramp car. The second connector is disconnected from the ramp car when the ramp is in a lowered position. The second connector includes a rotatable pin mounted to the locomotive and extending vertically downward and having a pair of circumferentially spaced shoulders for bearing upwardly against a supporting surface on the ramp car to hold the ramp in a raised position. The pin is rotated to lock the ramp car to the rail car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Martin Jay Hapeman
  • Patent number: 5470175
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for efficient and precise placement of discrete quantities of materials adjacent to the apparatus. The apparatus and methods are particularly adapted for being coupled to a dump truck, receiving material contained in the bed of the dump truck into a hopper, metering the material in the hopper by a receiving conveyor and transferring the metered material from the receiving conveyor to the side of the apparatus by a cross conveyor positioned perpendicularly to the receiving conveyor. A telescoping boom conveyor having a material director transfers the metered material from an end of the cross conveyor and places the metered material adjacent to the apparatus. Attached at the other end of the cross conveyor is a material positioning attachment for positioning the precisely placed material into a level grade or a road curb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Spudnik Equipment Company
    Inventors: Darrell V. Jensen, Carl J. Hobbs, M. Andrew Blight
  • Patent number: 5417541
    Abstract: Freight handling apparatus for unloading stacks of beverage containers supported on pallets within bay wells of a beverage delivery truck having floors tilted inwardly and downwardly toward the center of the truck includes a wheeled frame having an upstanding mast on which a vertically movable carriage is supported mounting a pair of forwardly projecting lifting forks engageable with the pallet load. A hydraulic lifting jack is operable for raising and lowering the forks. A hydraulic tilting jack acts between a set of rear wheels and the back of the frame for selectively elevating the back of the frame relative to the front so as to angle the fork tines downwardly from horizontal to correspond in inclination to that of the floor of the bay wells. The downward angling of the fork tines enables them to be inserted into the correspondingly angled pallet load, and the forks thereafter elevated to lift the pallet load for subsequent removal from the bay well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Gregg Herron
  • Patent number: 5413449
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling business forms that are zig-zag folded including a printed forms transport and a printed stack transport, the printed forms transport including a caster-equipped undercarriage and a generally elongated forms-receiving box pivotally mounted on the undercarriage, the box having a pair of sides, an open end for receiving the forms and a closed end, an open top and a planar bottom, a tine member positionably mounted on the box at the open end, a printed stack transport releasably engaged with the printed forms transport, and cylinders connecting the undercarriage with the box for pivoting the box through a vertical arc to convert the string of forms to a stack of business forms and to deposit the stack on the printed stack transport, the printed stack transport having a platform equipped with elongated slots aligned with the tine member when the printed forms transport and the printed stack transport are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Wallace Computer Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Schoenherr, Donald J. Nauheimer
  • Patent number: 5405233
    Abstract: A dumpster handling system is operated to support and move a roll-off dumpster back and forth underneath a point of material discharge for the filling of the dumpster. The system operates to move the dumpster so that the material is deposited at different points into the interior of the dumpster to achieve an even distribution of the load of material throughout the dumpster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Steven R. Cordell
  • Patent number: 5364221
    Abstract: A track-bound freight car comprises a longitudinally extending machine frame, an undercarriage at each machine frame end, a conveyor band extending obliquely with respect to the track plane and above the machine frame in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame, the conveyor band having a lower input end above one of the undercarriages and a higher output end above the other undercarriage. At least one of the conveyor band ends is displaceable transversely to the longitudinal direction with respect to the undercarriage at said one conveyor band end and a transverse displacement drive is connected to the one conveyor band end for effectuating the displacement. Parallel side walls extend in the longitudinal direction along the conveyor band, the conveyor band constituting the bottom of a storage space defined between the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 5360097
    Abstract: A conveyor is rotatably mounted to a vehicle. The conveyor includes a plurality of frame members pivotally coupled to one another, such that they can be placed in overlapping relationship for transport with the vehicle or unfolded for use. An extension member is slidably coupled to one of the frame members such that the conveyor can be extended beneath a rail car for receiving material therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Granite Rock Company
    Inventor: J. C. Hibbs
  • Patent number: 5342164
    Abstract: A method of collecting mixed trash and recyclable waste separated from the mixed trash from several pick up locations and transporting the same to their respective delivery destinations. A conventional garbage truck and a recyclable waste collection vehicle are parked at a central location. A motorized satellite vehicle with a mixed trash bin and a recyclable waste bin is driven from one pick up location to another, and mixed trash and recyclable waste at the pick up locations are loaded manually into appropriate bins on the satellite vehicle. The satellite vehicle is driven to the parked garbage truck and the parked recyclable waste collection vehicle where the bins are unloaded. The garbage truck and the recyclable waste collection vehicle can be driven to final delivery destinations for the mixed trash and the recyclable waste, respectively. The method also contemplates using the bins of the satellite vehicle for collecting two segregated waste types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Expert Disposal Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell C. Kinney, Donald C. Kinney, Lyle Paullin, Richard Paullin, Jeffrey W. Parrott, Donald Smith
  • Patent number: 5338140
    Abstract: A boll buggy includes a basket upon a wheeled frame. The basket is translationally elevated to a height so that the bottom of the basket is higher than the top of a module maker. Seed cotton is transferred from the basket into the module maker by chains running along the bottom of the basket and extended panel. Cotton is loaded into the basket on the boll buggy by moving the boll buggy alongside a cotton harvester and extending a load door from the basket to receive cotton from the cotton harvester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Scott Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Royce L. Ekdahl, C. Minuard Jordan
  • Patent number: 5322496
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Wallace Computer Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Ernst, Jerome F. Andersen, William R. Schoenherr
  • Patent number: 5275525
    Abstract: A battery holder for containing an electric storage battery is transported by a lift unit on a mobile vehicle. The lift unit is pivotally mounted at a rearward end portion of the vehicle to move into surrounding relation with the battery holder positioned on the ground. The lift unit is pivoted upwardly to raise the battery holder to a preselected elevation within the minimal lateral and overhead clearance available in an underground mine. The lift unit includes a pair of lifting forks extending in spaced parallel relation from the vehicle within the lateral dimensions of the vehicle. The lifting forks have a configuration adapted to permit downward movement of the forks into engagement with the ground to pick up a battery holder positioned on the ground. The lifting forks extend laterally of the battery holder and engage the holder for vertical movement to an elevated position that does not exceed the uppermost position for transportation of the battery in areas of minimal overhead clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Tamrock World Corporation, N.V.
    Inventor: Shawn P. Grumblatt
  • Patent number: 5257892
    Abstract: A pipe machine dolly/cart combination is designed with spaced-apart wheels at both ends of a load carrying platform. Removable handles are provided to permit the dolly/cart combination to be manipulated from both ends to be rolled about on a surface, and to be pivoted about the wheels on either end. With the handles attached to one end, the dolly/cart may be manipulated by a single person to permit the loading and unloading of the cart to and from a raised surface, such as the bed of a truck. When the removable handles are secured to the other end, the device may be used as a dolly to transport the load, and to deposit the load on a surface when the device is pivoted 90.degree. . The device is ideally suited for facilitating the loading and unloading and transportation, by a single person, of a relatively heavy load, such as a pipe threading machine, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: David Branch
  • Patent number: 5252020
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Expert Disposal Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell C. Kinney, Donald C. Kinney, Lyle Paullin, Richard Paullin, Jeffrey W. Parrott, Donald Smith
  • Patent number: 5221173
    Abstract: A multi-vehicle transport system for the transportation of bulk material such as trash and the like is disclosed. The multi-vehicle transport system includes a primary load vehicle operable to go to remote areas and discharge the contents of a standard bin into a hopper, and a secondary load vehicle operable using a hydraulically actuated fork lift system to lift and discharge the contents of the hopper from the primary load vehicle into the secondary load vehicle. A method of multi-vehicle transport of bulk materials is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Kevin P. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5217342
    Abstract: The chassis of a forklift truck includes a front assembly and a rear assembly movable toward and away from each other between an extended stable normal working condition and a contracted compact condition for storage or transport of the forklift truck. The front assembly includes driven front wheels, standard upright mast and double-acting lift jack for the fork carriage movable along the mast. The rear assembly includes the operator compartment, rear axle assembly for the rear wheels and mechanism mounting the rear axle assembly for vertical movement relative to the operator compartment between a raised normal working position and a downward-projected position. The rear assembly also includes a landing wheel mounted in front of the rear axle assembly at a location above the rear wheels when the rear axle assembly is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Martin Grether
  • Patent number: 5193968
    Abstract: A pull trailer dump truck assembly (10) is disclosed which uses a dump truck (12), a trailer (18) and an improved locking mechanism (24). The locking mechanism (24) includes at least one pair of cooperating locking wedges (54, 56) mounted on the trailer body (22) and the trailer frame (20) which move into wedging engagement when the trailer body is moved into the secured, traveling position on the trailer frame. A self-locking pintle hook (60) can be mounted on the frame to automatically lock with a pintle eye (58) as the wedge members move into wedging engagement to secure the trailer body (22) on the trailer frame (20). A power cylinder (66) can also be provided to move a locking wedge member (64) on the trailer frame and a locking wedge member (62) on the trailer body into locking wedged engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: W. Glenn Hicks
  • Patent number: 5173028
    Abstract: The invention relates to a semitrailer (1) comprising devices (6) for shifting a load, such as a container (9), to the support of the trailer (1) and away from the support thereof; as well as devices (3) for shifting the bogie (2) in the lengthwise direction of the trailer. According to the invention, the trailer (1) comprises devices (10; 12) for raising and lowering both the front end (1a) and rear end (1b) of the trailer. By employing the said devices, the front and rear ends of the trailer can be raised and lowered irrespective of each other in order to load and unload the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Rautaruukki Oy
    Inventors: Jaakko Heikkinen, Markku Huttunen, Pentti Moilanen