Abstract: A mobile base is provided that travels through delivery areas and utilizes associated transportation units (e.g., automated aerial vehicles, automated mobile vehicles, etc.) for delivering items from the mobile base to user specified delivery locations. The transportation units may be carried on the mobile base and may utilize navigation systems (e.g., utilizing GPS) to travel back and forth to the mobile base when making deliveries. Tracking data (e.g., GPS) may be utilized for status monitoring and notifications, as well as providing a map that may show and update the current locations of the transportation units and/or mobile base.

Abstract: A distribution facility including: a platform that is provided with a first transport portion for shipping and a second transport portion for receiving; a berth that is provided to allow a transport vehicle to be parked side-on; and a transfer device that moves back and forth between an intermediate transport area and a load bed adjacent area to transfer an article between the platform and the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A system to deliver a cargo using a railway, such as a subway or a national railway, rather than ground transportation. A cargo loading/unloading unit is provided on a platform of a railway station. The cargo loading/unloading unit is configured to load and unload cargoes is provided inside a railway vehicle, such that a large quantity of cargo can be quickly loaded and unloaded while the railway vehicle is stopped at the station. The cargo delivery capacity can also be adjusted, thereby enabling a large quantity of the cargo to be delivered more quickly and conveniently.

Abstract: A working machine including a movable implement, a hydraulic actuator for displacing the implement, and a hydraulic control system for enabling an operator to control movement of the implement. The control system allows the implement to be returned to a desired position or state, such as a return to dig position or a return to float state, in a single automated operation that is initiated by the operator actuating a switch at the same time as moving a joystick in a desired direction. A pilot-operated valve is used to supply hydraulic fluid under pressure to the actuator acting on the implement and the operation of the joystick is detected by means of a pressure sensor connected to a control line of the pilot-operated valve.

Abstract: A process for developing machine classification systems includes using human experts to associate expected operations with various machine states including drawbar pull, tool position, tool commands, gear, and ground speed, among others, to create a classification system that can be used in a particular machine. The classification system operates in real time to infer operations such as dig, dump, travel, and push from machine state inputs and logs the operations for use in operational analysis and maintenance of the machine.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for automatically controlling the operation of a work vehicle during the performance of a material moving operation may generally include monitoring cycle times for moving the work vehicle between a first location and a second location as the material moving operation is being performed and determining a work cycle time for moving the work vehicle between the first and second locations based on the monitored cycle times. In addition, the method may include automatically controlling the operation of a lift assembly of the work vehicle based on the work cycle time such that loader arms and an implement of the lift assembly are moved to a pre-defined loading position as the work vehicle is moved from the first location to the second location and to a pre-defined unloading position as the work vehicle is moved from the second location to the first location.

Abstract: An example system includes a plurality of trailers arranged such that a given trailer of the plurality is connected to at least one other trailer of the plurality, where the plurality of trailers includes a plurality of respective conveyance systems to transport objects between connected trailers. The system further includes a control system configured to cause a conveyance system of a first trailer of the plurality to move at least one object to the first trailer from a first external trailer, cause respective conveyance systems of one or more trailers of the plurality to transport the at least one object from the first trailer of the plurality to a second trailer of the plurality that is connected to a second external trailer, and cause a conveyance system of the second trailer of the plurality to move the at least one object to the second external trailer.

Abstract: An automatic stack feeder having a moveable stack or product guide is disclosed. The automatic stack feeder may be configured to receive a stack of articles and a container enclosing a stack of articles. To ensure the stack of articles is properly supported following unloading from the container, the stack guide is moveable between a first and a second position, wherein the stack guide is in contact with the stack of articles while in the first position, and not in contact with the stack when in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating a closure element arrangement of a motor vehicle, wherein the closure element arrangement comprises a control arrangement and an operator-control-event sensor arrangement with at least one operator-control-event sensor element which is configured, in particular, as a proximity sensor, wherein within the scope of operator-control-event monitoring by means of the control arrangement the sensor measured values of the operator-control-event sensor arrangement are monitored to determine whether a predetermined operator control event is occurring, and the closure element arrangement is actuated as a function of the result of the operator-control-event monitoring. It is proposed that externally activated lifting of the motor vehicle is detected by means of the control arrangement, and the actuability of the closure element arrangement which is due to an operator control event is deactivated when a special condition due to the lifting of the motor vehicle occurs.

Abstract: A four-wheel shopping cart includes a substantially rectangular base surrounded by vertical side, front and rear walls to form an open-topped, cargo basket. The front wall opens fully to provide access to the cargo area, while the rear wall is shorter than the others to allow easy access from behind while shopping. A transverse axle mounted below the rear wall supports hinged legs that fold upwards alongside the side walls so the cart can be placed conveniently into a vehicle for transportation. The legs unfold and lock to support the cart on castors for shopping, and may include height adjustment means for lowering the basket to a comfortable level for usage and for raising it to place it into the shopper's vehicle. A pair of small, adjustable wheels mounted on opposite front corners of the base pivot partially to facilitate maneuvering the cart within the vehicle.

Abstract: A system of single or multiple modules with self driving capabilities specifically for the movement of single or multiple shipping containers with a single operator on foot using a ‘wireless control unit’ to imitate commands to the individual modules, inter-connected to act in concert. As the units are configured from one (1) to forty-five (45) containers, the modules are connected utilizing the specialty pin assembly inherent to the invention. The invention has the capability to articulate in the vertical plane, allowing the complete modular unit to transverse inclines; declines and slight obstructions while in the normal operational environment. This accommodates ramps up or down onto the barges, or onto surfaces in the receiving ports. The ‘wireless control unit’ also allows the operator and the Command and Control operations to visualize the individual module while transversing all surfaces allowing for the visualization of the stack in a three dimensional display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

Abstract: An aircraft loader including a bridge platform, an elevator platform and a barrier system is provided. The barrier system has first and second guiding elements respectively attached to the bridge platform on each side thereof, and first and second supporting elements respectively mounted on a corresponding side of the elevator platform. The barrier system is provided with an inverted-U-shaped element having first and second legs and a transverse element extending therebetween, each of the legs being slidably mounted inside a corresponding guiding element and cooperating with a corresponding supporting element adapted for supporting the legs and driving the inverted-U-shaped element with the elevator platform.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation and a method for automatically processing individual hand-held bags between two storage areas, the bags respectively having a base surmounted by two opposed lateral flanks, said bags being adapted to rest in equilibrium on their base, said bags being transferred from one storage area to the other via a longitudinal transfer platform, as claimed in the invention, the installation comprises: means for forming rows of bags resting on their base on one of said storage areas; means for driving each of said rows in translation in a first direction over said longitudinal transfer platform; and means for driving each of said rows of bags supported by said platform in translation in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction to transfer said row of bags to the other storage area.

Abstract: A battery-changing vehicle includes a mobile carriage, a frame disposed above the mobile carriage, and a boom assembly connected to the frame. The mobile carriage defines a loading deck for receiving and transporting a battery. The boom assembly includes a lift hoist that lifts a battery to and from the loading deck. The lift hoist is capable of lateral movement between an extended disposition, at which the lift hoist is cantilevered away from the loading deck, and a withdrawn disposition, at which the lift hoist is disposed above the loading deck. The battery-changing vehicle may also include a transfer arm capable of transferring a battery to and from the loading deck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling automatic lifting and lowering type platform that can correct the inclination of a mobile power generator and that can always maintain the level while carrying out automatic lifting and lowering of the generator. The apparatus includes vertical outer cases which are extended or withdrawn in the horizontal directions from or into both sides at both ends of the chassis ?; vertical inner cases which are inserted into the vertical outer cases and extended or withdrawn in the vertical directions; and an allotter which allots output to jacks so that inclination detected by an angle sensor can always be corrected.

Abstract: An aircraft loader including a bridge platform, an elevator platform and a barrier system is provided. The barrier system has first and second guiding elements respectively attached to the bridge platform on each side thereof, and first and second supporting elements respectively mounted on a corresponding side of the elevator platform. The barrier system is provided with an inverted-U-shaped element having first and second legs and a transverse element extending therebetween, each of the legs being slidably mounted inside a corresponding guiding element and cooperating with a corresponding supporting element adapted for supporting the legs and driving the inverted-U-shaped element with the elevator platform.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A first guidance system is used to travel near the transport and a second guidance system is used to travel on the transport.

Abstract: The invention provides an aircraft loader for loading and unloading goods in and out of an aircraft. The aircraft loader is provided with a main chassis and a loading platform mounted thereon. The aircraft loader is also provided with an interface device mounted on the chassis for interfacing the loading platform with the loading level of the aircraft. The interface device has a bridge platform provided with a transfer portion extending between the ends thereof. The bridge platform extends in adjacent alignment along the unloading end of the loading platform when both platforms extend at the upper level for providing a goods path between the loading platform and the loading level of the aircraft through the transfer portion. The interface device also has retractable handrails mounted along a respective one of the ends of the bridge platform.

Abstract: The powered hand truck has a chassis supported at one end by a single axle with two independently operable drive wheels. A prime mover is provided generally medially on the chassis, driving the drive wheels and powering the forklift mechanism. An operator console extends from the end of the chassis opposite the wheels, with an operator platform extending beyond the base of the operator console. The forklift mechanism has a pantograph arrangement supported by a pivotally mounted column. The forklift mast remains parallel to the column at all times and includes a manually actuated upper extension. A storage rack and dolly may be installed upon a suitable transport vehicle for transporting the powered hand truck. The hand truck forks engage the storage rack dolly, with the dolly translating along the rack to allow the truck to be deployed from, or loaded onto, the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation and a method for automatically processing individual hand-held bags between two storage areas, the bags respectively having a base surmounted by two opposed lateral flanks, said bags being adapted to rest in equilibrium on their base, said bags being transferred from one storage area to the other via a longitudinal transfer platform, as claimed in the invention, the installation comprises: means for forming rows of bags resting on their base on one of said storage areas; means for driving each of said rows in translation in a first direction over said longitudinal transfer platform; and means for driving each of said rows of bags supported by said platform in translation in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction to transfer said row of bags to the other storage area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a warehouse loader that has two extendable platform sections. One of those sections is hinged to a deck that extends to a driving deck where the operator can stand when moving the loader. The other section is hinged to the first section and can be aligned with the first section to create a platform that extends outwardly from the deck and can be accessed by the operator directly from the deck. The illustrated sections are between 12 and 36 inches wide, can support 300 pounds of weight, and weigh less than 40 pounds. The second section may be 1-3 inches narrower than the first section, and arranged so that it folds against one side of the first section. A spring-loaded latch can be arranged to selectively hold the first section in an upright position, with the second section folded against it. A manually-operable positioning hook can be used to selectively engage receptacles in the platform sections, making it easier to fold or unfold the sections.

Abstract: A mobile loader is driven to a dockside location underlying the spreader bar of a marine terminal crane. A delivery vehicle such as a train or a truck is driven into the loader at such dockside location so that containers maybe transferred between the delivery vehicle and a platform located within the loader in lateral adjacency to the delivery vehicle. Motorized devices are provided for respectively transferring containers between the delivery vehicle and the platform, aligning the platform below the spreader bar, elevating the platform toward the overlying crane spreader bar to reduce its required descent for attachment to the container and aligning the crane spreader bar as it descends onto a container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging/discharging equipment movable on a quay for charging of bulk (13) into a ship's hold (11), respectively for discharging therefrom, comprising—a first conveyor for transferring a batch of bulk (13) from a quay (7) at least to the level of the board of a ship (10),—a horizontal intermediate conveyor (3) connected to the discharging end of said first conveyor to receive the batch bulk (13),—an elevator frame (4) mounted in the front of the discharging end of said intermediate conveyor (3) as well as—an elevator platform (5) movable in the elevator frame (4) between the level of the intermediate conveyor (3) and the bottom end of the elevator frame (4) for transferring the batch bulk (13) into the hold (11).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading and unloading articles such as luggage to a passenger vehicle or storage area. The apparatus is a single bed connected to a transport device. The elevation of the bed may be adjustable to be brought close to the platform or cargo area where luggage pieces are kept. A ramp member extends from the bed. The bed is generally a large conveyor that is smooth and continuous so that luggage wheels, straps, handles or the like cannot become lodged.

Abstract: A center console assembly for use in a vehicle includes a table capable of being disposed within a center console. A linear drive mechanism is coupled to the table. The linear drive mechanism includes a driver capable of moving the table from a retracted position within the center console to an extracted position outside of the center console.

Abstract: A wheelchair system for transferring a handicapped person onto an automobile seat includes a wheeled chassis whose front end is rolled beneath an automobile door opening, a horizontally extending base member, and a rotatable mounting mechanism for the base member. The rotatable mounting mechanism includes a first actuating linkage and a first driven member therefor. The wheelchair system also includes a chair supporting frame located centrally of the chassis and removably mounted on the base member. This chair supporting frame includes an adjusting mechanism for vertically adjusting a support thereof. A handle assembly is removably mounted to the chassis and includes a second linkage for rotating the first driven member. This second linkage includes a removable driving member which removably connects to the first driven member as the handle is removed and connected to the chassis, and a second driven member at an opposite end thereof.

Abstract: A wheeled elevator apparatus for use in transferring freight between a highway truck and a freight storage dock or building, the apparatus including an elevatable platform powered by hydraulic cylinder means and including two oppositely directed ramps hingedly connected to said platform to provide access to said platform for pallet jacks moving pallets of freight, one of said ramps being long enough to reach inside the highway truck to form a bridge from the elevatable platform to the highway truck, the bridge having side curbs and being sufficiently narrow and laterally off-set to permit an independently operated roller, skate-wheel, or belt conveyer to function simultaneously beside the elevatable platform for moving small individual packages of freight between the same building or dock and the same truck.

Abstract: The device of manual transporting large objects or loads, which includes a wheeled, load supporting frame vertically adjustable, facilitates the manual load, unload, and transport of large objects or loads, such as pickup truck toppers or shells, sheet material, pipes, other building supplies, appliances, etc. Frame height adjustment to the level of on or off load is by means of telescoping legs, supported on lockable wheels or castors, or in combination with hand winches mounted on the legs. Rollers may be attached to the top of the frame for ease in sliding objects or loads on or off. In an alternate embodiment for elongated objects or loads, such as pipes, beams, rails, etc., a beam and additional supports are added to the frame. The device is positioned over the load. The load, such as a pipe, is attached to each end of the beam by chains and transported to an interim workstation or its final disposition.

Abstract: A wheeled elevator platform for use in loading and unloading highway trucks from and to a loading dock at a merchandise storage facility. The elevator includes folding ramps, hydraulically operated lifting arms to raise and lower the elevator platform, a plurality of screw jacks to level the platform, and bumpers to absorb the forces of a truck accidentally colliding with the apparatus.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for mounting to a vehicle includes a base assembly that is adapted to cooperate with the vehicle. Extending from a base of the base assembly is a plurality of columns. The base assembly further includes a connecting mechanism that securely attaches the base assembly to a bed of the vehicle. The lifting apparatus further includes a platform assembly having a platform and a plurality of outer column receivers extending from the platform. The outer column receivers cooperatively engage with the columns of the base assembly to allow sliding engagement therebetween. Cooperating with the platform assembly is a driving mechanism that is adapted to elevate the platform assembly relative to the base assembly. The driving mechanism includes a lifting chain, a motor assembly, and a gear assembly. The lifting chain has a first end attached to the base assembly and a second end attached to the platform assembly.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic method is provided capable of testing condition of various components for a forklift truck selectively, displaying the result test codes collectively on a display after completing the test, and initiating a quick test mode during a run mode by simply manipulating an accelerator pedal and a direction lever of the forklift truck.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated mobile carrier frame wraps around a storage container of standard size and lifts the container from the ground onto a transport vehicle. The carrier frame subsequently returns the container to the ground. The carrier frame stays with the vehicle or remains in a storage facility for handling containers within the facility. The carrier frame can be expanded transversely to clear the vehicle for loading and unloading.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated mobile carrier frame wraps around a storage container of standard size and lifts the container from the ground onto a transport vehicle. The carrier frame subsequently returns the container to the ground. The carrier frame stays with the vehicle. The carrier frame can be expanded transversely to clear the vehicle for loading and unloading, then contracted into notches in the vehicle platform to be releasably locked to the vehicle for over the road transport.

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.

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.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo loader is provided including a platform having a plurality of rollers for supporting cargo thereon. A base member is disposed below the platform and a plurality of telescoping jacks are disposed between the platform and the base member for lifting the platform. A supply of pressurized gas is connected to the plurality of telescoping jacks. An automatic load balancing system is provided for balancing the load on the platform. The cargo loader is designed to be lightweight and portable so that it can be loaded onto the aircraft and transported therewith.

Abstract: A conveyance system provides for storing, monitoring, and retrieving (multi-purpose) canisters "MPC" for intermediate storage of spent fuel rods from nuclear power plants. The system includes a shielded transport system, an access corridor shielded for radiation, a lifting transport conveyance, an elevation chase, a dry-pool, seismic bracing to support the canisters in storage, associated shielding to confine radiation to the dry-pool, and air manifold system for cooling, and facilities to add alternative liquid radiation shielding around the canisters in the dry pool.A RR-locomotive moves a RR-car having a radiation shielded transport container to communicate with a dry-pool access corridor. A bridge crane carries an "MPC" through the corridor to a vertical chase which accesses to the dry-pool. The bridge crane places the "MPC" at a cooling vent manifold. A seismic brace engages the "MPC" secure to the dry-pool wall. A configuration of radiation shielding confines emissions.

Abstract: An elevated service vehicle, such as a catering vehicle, with a fixed elevated cargo area, a rear elevator to load cargo from a lower level, and a raisable loading platform positioned over the cab, for servicing elevated areas such as an airplane or the like. A vertically movable canopy covers the cargo area. The vehicle can be controlled by a single operator.

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.

Abstract: A sectional van trailer having detachable, interchangeable compartments capable of forming a continuous van body is disclosed. One or more van sections or cargo compartments are secured to a trailer frame. The van sections may be individually removed and left at a location for loading or unloading. When removed, the van sections form secure, weather-tight individual containers for the goods disposed therein. The van sections are interconnected and each van section may remain an individual compartment or may be joined with one or more adjacent van sections to form a continuous van body. A tractor mounted hoist apparatus is provided to allow a lone truck operator to move the van sections between the ground, and the trailer frame, a storage stand, or a truck frame. The described embodiments are particularly efficient for moving both household belongings and general commodities on a long-haul trip.

Abstract: A transporter for moving a container or platform between storage and work positions at different levels. The transporter including a lift assembly and a support assembly pivotally mounted on the lift assembly. The lift assembly being operatively connected to the support assembly for movement between transporting and storage positions. The support assembly including a first set of rollers for moving said lift assembly between the work and storage positions at one level and a second set of rollers for moving the lift assembly to the work or storage positions at a second level.

Abstract: A hydraulic rear platform lift for an aircraft loader provides for an increased height by providing a pair of lifting levers actuated by a hydraulic cylinder-piston which extends into cutout space of a forward support frame and mates with the scissor type lifting beams of a forward lifting platform. The lifting mechanism generally consists of a chicken leg lever and tension bar with the actuating force provided by a cylinder--piston connected between the chicken leg lever and the other end of the tension bar. For even greater lifting heights, one end of the tension bar may be placed on the leg of the rear scissor beams with appropriate cutouts being provided in the rear support frame and rear elevatable platform.

Abstract: A method of loading goods into and unloading goods from narrow spaces located some distance above ground level is disclosed. In the method, use is made of a specially designed loading truck with a drive and steering apparatus which can be driven from one place to another and including a cargo lifting apparatus suited for lifting an entire transport carriage of cargo. The apparatus also includes a lift for vertically lifting persons adjacent to the cargo lifting apparatus to thereby provide free access to the load platform. In the method, the truck is driven to the location where the cargo is standing, the cargo is lifted by the truck, the truck is driven to a position adjacent to the unloading place, the transport carriage is lifted until the uppermost layer of cargo is level with the unloading place, and the person lifting device is lifted to a convenient position adjacent the cargo and luggage is unloaded.

Abstract: A transport, storage, monitoring, and retrieval system for casks including intermediate storage of spent fuel rods from nuclear power plants. The system consists of a powered rail transport car which carries a cask standing on its end. A cross-ways traveling powered rail "under car" unit carries the rail transport car and loaded cask transversely on rails underneath to align with a bay rail which the powered rail car traverses to the cask storage location. Bridge cranes off-load the casks and with monitoring equipment perform remote cask inspections. Bay rails and a pair of cross-ways traveling "under car" units serve for movement of both the transport car and the bridge units. Casks are located automatically at specific addresses for inventory control and data logging of radioactive emissions. The system may operate remotely and cask conditions are monitored from automated retrieved collected at an off-site data base.

Abstract: The chassis of a forklift truck includes a front assembly and a rear assembly which, in certain embodiments, are 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 or wheels mounted in front of the rear axle assembly at a location above the rear wheels when the rear axle assembly is raised.

Abstract: A cargo handling and restraining system for loading, unloading, and transporting cargo containers in a carrier vehicle. The carrier is provided with a supporting floor (bed) having a plurality of tracks disposed thereon. The tracks include a channel disposed between a pair of spaced, horizontally extending members, and each container is provided with members which "ride" in the channel of the tracks to move the containers along the track. A hook assembly is provided at opposite ends and on the bottom of the containers for engaged relation with a retaining mechanism which positively locks adjacent containers together and to the track. A locking member is provided for rigidly securing the last loaded container (toward the rear of the bed) to the track. A cargo loader mechanism is provided to load and unload the cargo onto and off of the bed, and a cargo cart is provided to transport the cargo from or to a storage bin.