Abstract: A low profile transport device includes a frame having a top surface and a recess disposed along the top surface to hold and transport an object. The low profile transport device also includes a plurality of wheels disposed below the frame that support the frame, and a plurality of pivotable wheel struts coupled to the wheels. The wheel struts are each individually adjustable relative to the frame from a first position relative to the frame to a second position relative to the frame to allow the low profile transport device to climb an obstacle without tilting the frame. The low profile transport device also includes a motor that generates movement of the wheels.

Abstract: The invention provides a livestock feed-displacing device and system, with a grab bucket which can be positioned above a feed kitchen with feed positions by a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to compose an amount of animal feed from feed material provided in the feed kitchen by positioning the grab bucket at a grabbing position, grabbing livestock feed underneath said grabbing position, positioning the grab bucket at a desired feed-unloading point, such as in a feed wagon, and unloading the grabbed livestock feed at the feed-unloading point, wherein the control unit is designed to earmark, if at least one predetermined clearing-up criterion has been met, livestock feed in the feed kitchen as waste to be removed and to make the device carry out a clearing-up operation, wherein the clearing-up operation comprises the removal of the livestock feed at said feed position by displacing it to another position in the feed kitchen.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which includes a bed coupled to extendible legs that extend away from the bed. The extendible legs comprise lift the bed to a desired height level, whereas the bed attaches to a vehicle and facilitates transferring weight from the extendible legs to a vehicle attachment component on the bed. A vehicle is also disclosed, which includes extendible arms, which extend away from an arm housing component. The extendible arms attach to a load and hold the load in a suspended position. In another aspect, a method is disclosed which includes ascertaining parameters associated with loading a load onto a vehicle and determining a placement configuration of an arm component onto the vehicle according to the parameters. The arm component attaches to the vehicle according to the placement configuration and facilitates holding the load in a suspended position.

Abstract: A method for moving a packed column section about a remote manufacturing yard is provided. In one embodiment, the packed column section can include a first course, a second course, packing disposed within the first course and second course, and a plurality of distributors. The method can include the steps of placing the packed column section on top of a movable platform, the movable platform configured to support and distribute the weight of the packed column section; and moving the packed column section from a first point to a second point, the second point being in an open area adapted for stacking a plurality of packed column sections on top of each other to form a column.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for the handling, transporting and/or positioning component parts include a jig assembly for supporting a component part is provided with an elongate spar assembly, a plurality of rib assemblies attached to the spar, and a plurality of tensionable strap assemblies operatively associated with the rib assemblies for capturing and holding the component part against the rib assemblies. The strap assemblies may include a strap ratchet mechanism and a strap, so that operation of the strap ratchet mechanism allows strap slack to be removed thereby tensioning the strap. The jig assembly may be positioned and oriented by suspension cables and a hoist mechanism to allow it to be removably connected to a moveable transport dolly.

Abstract: A method for positioning a large load into a transport position is provided. According to the method, the load is placed upon a frame structure with a substantially horizontal extension. The raising device is placed transport plane underneath the frame structure. The raising device is then extended in a vertical extension reaching between the transport plane and the frame structure so that the frame structure and the load are raised above the transport plane and are held in position by the raising device. Subsequently, the vertical extension of the raising device is decreased into the transport position. Further, a method for positioning a large load into a storage position and a transport system for such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A device for moving and attaching a component between an operating position in which the component is rigidly connected to a structure and a non-operating position below the operating position and in which the component is detached from the structure. The device includes: a frame rigidly secured to the ground and including vertical guiding columns; a lifting table for moving the component from the operating position to the non-operating position and vice versa, the lifting table being guided vertically along the guiding columns; a mechanism locking and unlocking the component on and outside the structure and rigidly connected to the lifting table; and an assembly of four cables associated with return pulleys, wherein one end of the cables is mounted to a winch that can raise and lower the lifting table between the non-operating position and the operating position, while the other cable end is rigidly connected to the lifting table.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for loading goods into and/or unloading goods from a loading space 25, particularly a container, with a conveyor arm 1 that features a transfer station 5, 7, 9 for receiving the goods in the region of its proximal end and a transfer station 21, 23 for delivering the goods in the region of its distal end, wherein the conveyor arm 1 features a transport section 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 for transporting the goods from the transfer station 5, 7, 9 to the transfer station 20, wherein the transfer station 20 is realized in the form of a transfer and/or removal head 21, 23 that automatically deposits the goods at a predefined position in the loading space (25) and/or automatically picks up the goods from a predefined position in the loading space (25), and wherein the conveyor arm 1 is able to continuously transport the stream of successive goods to and/or from the predefined position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for tracking material through a production chain or operational process chain in which the material is transferred via a plurality of spatially distinct lumped masses of material (12, 14, 16, 18). A dynamic state space (430) is maintained descriptive of the plurality of spatially distinct lumped masses of material, wherein a quantity of entries in the dynamic state space is augmented or diminished dependent on a quantity of spatially distinct lumped masses being tracked. Measurements relating to an observed lumped mass of material are fused into the dynamic state space and a dynamic covariance matrix to provide an updated estimate of material in the plurality of spatially distinct lumped masses of material.

Abstract: A handling system for containers includes an automated zone in which floor-bound, rubber-tired and driverless container transport vehicles are used which transport containers between container bridges and a container storage facility. A non-automated zone is provided in which floor-bound, rubber-tired and manned container transport vehicles are used, the container transport vehicles being optionally operable in a driverless or manned mode and thus being optionally transportable in the automated zone or the non-automated zone. A corresponding container transport vehicle which can be connected to an auxiliary device for control in the manned mode is characterized in that the auxiliary device comprises a driver's cab that is equipped with a control system for steering, motion control and braking in the manned mode, the container transport vehicle having a detachable fastening possibility for the driver's cab at the front face of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bridge or gantry crane, in particular for handling ISO containers, includes a crane cart that can move along a crane support in the direction of travel of the cart. The cart supports at least one mast that can move in a vertical lift and lowering direction, and a load supporting means for containers being suspended at the mast. In order to optimize the handling rate of a bridge or gantry crane, at least one second mast is provided including a second load supporting means disposed behind and at a distance from a first mast as seen in the direction of travel (K) of the cart.

Abstract: This pallet has rollers on a track and lifts for transferring a cargo container between vehicles or dock. Portable or extendable arms form the track for the pallet between adjacent vehicles or dock. Ledges on the vehicles support the arms and rollers. The pallet is moved from vehicle to vehicle or dock by driving the pallet with motor or the pallet can have one or more channels along its bottom engaged by a cam arm mounted on a vehicle to move the pallet between vehicles on either side. The pallet or air bags thereon lift the container. The pallet could optionally be lifted by extending its rollers or by lifting its supporting ledges and arms—so air bags do not need to be deflated or used to lift. As a safety feature the container is lifted from and lowered to a vehicle only in register for transfer.

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 follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load.

Abstract: To obtain a red hot coke receiving and conveying apparatus that can increase the volumetric efficiency of a conveying bucket and has a simple configuration. A red hot coke receiving and conveying apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes a red hot coke receiving apparatus 5, on which is placed a conveying bucket 3 that has a discharge gate open/close mechanism 31 on a lower portion, wherein red hot coke receiving apparatus 5 receives red hot coke from a coke oven by the conveying bucket, and a hoisting tower 7 which hoists the conveying bucket 3 to a coke dry quenching facility side. The red hot coke receiving apparatus 5 includes a main carriage 13 which travels along a rail 11 provided along the coke oven, a sub-carriage 17 which moves the conveying bucket between the main carriage 13 and the hoisting tower 7, and a rotary table 15 which is provided on the main carriage 13 for rotating the conveying bucket.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load.

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 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: A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and a device for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.

Abstract: A self-contained mobile storage container includes a truck having a platform with a track, a storage container removably placed on the track on the platform, wherein the storage container includes a front end, a rear end and parallel sides. In addition, there are devices to secure the storage container to the platform, as well as a lift to elevate the storage container and remove it from the platform. Other devices are included to maneuver the storage container to a different geographical location for storage.

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: A liftgate assembly may provide a dock lock engagement member at the appropriate height and distance for easy and secure engagement to a dock lock mechanism and may also beneficially include an adjustment mechanism allowing normal operation of the liftgate assembly even when encountering ground obstructions.

Abstract: The cargo transport system according to this invention employs a tow vehicle that can automatically follow and run upon guide lines. The tow vehicle can tow cargo laden equipment such as container dollies to thereby automatically transport the air cargo. The air cargo is conveyed by an underground air cargo conveyor mechanism which has the conveyor line including the guide line installed underground to link the air cargo holding area in the airport terminal building and the aircraft parking area. Further, the system connects the loading/unloading cargo door of the aircraft and the underground loading/unloading position for the underground air cargo conveyor mechanism by an air cargo elevator.

Abstract: A load transfer system for flatbed trucks is described. A load transfer bay is defined between opposed rigid longitudinal load support beams. Each of the beams is connected to individually controllable adjustable support members in the form of pistons to adjust the elevation of the beams above a ground surface of the load transfer bay. A load support platform is displaceable from a retracted position outside the bay to a support position across and over the opposed load support beams for support contact therewith. The support platform has a plurality of spaced-apart support arms secured at an attachment end to a displaceable interconnecting member and projects therefrom in a substantially common plane to a free end thereof.

Abstract: A drive over conveyor pit assembly includes a mainframe including a grain pit located between and adjacent a plurality of drive over sections. Attached to the mainframe are a plurality of entrance ramps and a pair of exit ramps. Each ramp is pivotably attached to an end of the drive over sections. The drive over conveyor pit assembly includes a drive over pit coupled to a grain conveyor in such a configuration to be transported with the main grain conveyor by a single tow vehicle. The assembly includes a drive over conveyor pit hydraulically positioned for transportation.

Abstract: A transportation and installation assist device (16) for at least one precast concrete tilt panel. The panel(s) (18) are generally rectangular and have a first shorter end (44) with at least one lifting anchor therein, a second opposed shorter end (48) and a longitudinal axis (50) therebetween. The device (16) includes at least one frame (20) adapted to releasably engage an associated one of the panel(s) (18) substantially adjacent the second end (48) and support the panel (18) in a loading/transport orientation with the face of the associated panel (18) substantially vertical and the axis(es) (50) substantially horizontal. The frame (20) is also adapted for pivotal mounting to a table bed (14) of a truck (10) or trailer (12). The frame (20) and associated panel (18) pivot together when the first panel end (44) is lifted above the second panel end (48) until the associated panel (18) is in a releasing orientation with the face of the panel (18) substantially vertical and the axis (50) substantially vertical.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A method of transporting a group of containers resting on a pallet without transporting the pallet, which comprises: inserting the prongs of a first forklift vehicle in the first open grooves defined in a first support surface of a pallet underneath the group of containers, with the prongs being positioned to support all of the containers. The group of containers is lifted from the pallet, and transported to a transport vehicle having second open grooves defined in a second support surface. The prongs of the forklift are inserted into the second open grooves so that the container rests on the second support surface, and the prongs are withdrawn. The group of containers is transported to a new destination with the transport vehicle, and the group of containers is similarly unloaded by the use of prongs of a second forklift vehicle. Optionally, the group of containers is placed upon a second pallet having grooves similar to those of the first pallet.

Abstract: A method of transporting a group of containers resting on a pallet without transporting the pallet, which comprises: inserting the prongs of a first forklift vehicle in the first open grooves defined in a first support surface of a pallet underneath the group of containers, with the prongs being positioned to support all of the containers. The group of containers is lifted from the pallet, and transported to a transport vehicle having second open grooves defined in a second support surface. The prongs of the forklift are inserted into the second open grooves so that the container rests on the second support surface, and the prongs are withdrawn. The group of containers is transported to a new destination with the transport vehicle, and the group of containers is similarly unloaded by the use of prongs of a second forklift vehicle. Optionally, the group of containers is placed upon a second pallet having grooves similar to those of the first pallet.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show one embodiment of the present invention in the form of an inclined ramp in combination with a lifting device for lifting and lowering articles to and from the tarmac from and to the upper loading area at the top of a service stairway next to a passenger terminal bridge/walkway.

Abstract: An exemplary method for using a mobile plating system is provided that includes locating the mobile plating system at a desired location for plating, positioning an external vacuum pump from an interior position of a mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system to an exterior position, and coupling the external vacuum pump to a vacuum chamber within the mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system using a flexible piping segment, rigid coupling with a dampening effect, or other arrangement operable to reduce and/or eliminate the mechanical vibrations within the vacuum chamber due to the operation of the external vacuum pump.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A robotic containerization and palletizing system having a multiple-fingered end effector. The system includes a frame that defines one or more cells. Each cell has one gantry-type robot, which is mounted in a set of tracks on top of the frame. The robot is movable along two axes and has an arm to which the end effector is mounted. The end effector is designed to grasp trays, tubs, and similar items from a conveyor system running through the cell and load them in a cart or on a pallet. The items are gripped by two sets of fingers. One set of fingers may be mounted to a first plate and another set of fingers may be mounted to a carriage that moves in a horizontal direction, either toward or away from the first set of fingers. Each finger has a main shaft and a bent tip. The shafts are rotatable such that the tips can be moved underneath or out from under a load, depending upon whether a pick-up or drop-off operation is being performed.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system and method are provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control module to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

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: A side dump box for dumping the ingredients of a feed ration into a feed mixing truck is provided. A side dump box is pivotally moved on a pair of upwardly and outwardly extending slides to enable the side dump box to be elevated from a lower position to an elevated position and then pivotally moved so that contents of the side dump box may be dumped into the interior of a feed mixing truck. The side dump box includes a plurality of load cells which indicate the amount of ingredients, by weight, placed in the interior of the side dump box.

Abstract: A conveyor conveys palletized articles to a loading dock. A bogie movable along rails between different loading docks, supports an independently movable carriage, which may roll out of the bogie once the latter reaches a desired loading dock. The carriage then loads with a forklift provided on the carriage, the articles from the conveyor into a semi-trailer located at the loading dock. The carriage is provided with a linkage pivotally installed on its main frame, the linkage carrying four lateral guide wheels which protrude laterally beyond all other structural elements of the carriage. The linkage integrally links the guide wheels into a common pivotal displacement, with the guide wheels remaining symmetrically disposed relative to the carriage frame. A hydraulic piston biases the guide wheels towards an outer limit position at all times, and the guide wheels are forcibly pivotable, against the bias of the piston, towards an inner limit position.

Abstract: A device and method of loading wheelchair-using passengers includes a passenger platform, a ride vehicle, a lifting device, and a moveable transfer platform. The lifting device is located under the passenger platform and has raised and lowered positions. A moveable transfer platform is affixed to the lifting device when the lifting device is in the raised position. The lifting device is then lowered in the lowered position, wherein a wheelchair-using passenger is secured to the top of the moveable transfer platform. The lifting device then raises the moveable transfer platform and passenger to a raised position. The moveable transfer device is then rolled to a nearby ride vehicle wherein the moveable transfer device and passenger are secured. After completion of the ride, the moveable transfer device is then rolled on top of the lifting device, which is then lowered beneath the platform. The wheelchair-using passenger is then able to simply exit the ride attraction via the platform.

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 self-standing structure supporting a fixed boom is built on a palette-like base that is picked up and moved by a fork truck. Railroad car lids with a variety of handles can be engaged by the boom which has fittings suited to that purpose, lifted and removed by the fork truck operator so that the contents of the car such as coils of metal can be lifted out by a crane or the like.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting microtitration plates in an automatic handling machine is disclosed comprising at least one linear-transport device on which a carriage, which has at least one place of deposit for a microtitration plate, is transported in a straight line, under automatic control, between two limit positions. A lifting device is included with vertically displaceable bolts by which the microtitration plates can be lifted off or deposited on the carriage. At least one rotary device is also included in which a rotary element which has at least one resting place for a microtitration plate can be moved, under automatic control, about a fixed rotation shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and transferring refuse to a transportation truck for hauling to its ultimate disposal site, such as a landfill. The apparatus comprises a refuse collection and transfer container movable between a first, lowered position and a second, raised position. When the container is in the raised position and the transportation truck is underneath, transfer of the collected refuse is accomplished by opening angled, retractable bottom doors on the container. The bottom doors allow for the regulation of the amount of refuse transferred to the truck, thus ensuring a full load within the truck while at the same time preventing spillage. The movement of the container and the doors may be powered by the hydraulic system of the truck and controlled by a control panel on the apparatus. The apparatus may be partially below ground level.

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: A method for moving a round hay bale comprises: positioning the bale onto its circular peripheral surface; approaching a proximal flat side of the bale; positioning a main bale impaling spike in a horizontal attitude as supported by a vertical bale support assembly of a tow frame; adjusting a vertical position of the main bale impaling spike at a height above a center of mass of the bale; positioning a pair of lateral bale impaling spikes in parallel with the main bale impaling spike and at a height below the center of mass of the bale; driving the spikes into the bale so as to position the main bale impaling spike above the bale center of mass and to position the pair of lateral bale impaling spikes below and to each side of the bale center of mass; pulling the bale support assembly into a tilted attitude about a rotational axis to lift the bale off the ground; locking the bale support assembly with the bale center of mass positioned to urge the bale support assembly into the vertical; transporting the bale

Abstract: The invention provides a refuse and recyclable materials collection system which includes a self-dumping bin, a hauling unit with a tailgate and an opening top, side or both, a compacting ram that empties the hopper into the body, compacts and ejects the collected materials. The collection vehicle is placed into a loading position, which can be on either side of the vehicle. For collection of two different types of recyclable materials the collection vehicle can be equipped with two receiving doors, hoppers, rams, compacting chambers and tailgates. The self-dumping bin receives power by connecting hydraulic lines from the collection vehicle. The self-dumping bin is then raised to the dumping position by a lifting mechanism. The receiving door opens to form a chute for receiving the materials from the self-dumping bin. A baffle on each of the receiving doors forms a trap to prevent spillage. The bin has a tapered “lip” that funnels the material into the hopper of the hauling unit.

Abstract: A universal rack loading/unloading system and method of using such a system includes a transfer station for receiving the truck bed of a truck. A monorail is fixedly attached to the transfer station. The monorail has at least one snatch winch that is coupled thereto and capable of traversing a length of the monorail. Also, a first rail system is formed by a pair of parallel track members and fixedly attached to the second support frame of the transfer station. A conveyance trolley is slidable mounted to the first rail system. A universal rack being suspended from the snatch winch of the monorail for supporting a load of material to be moved through a processing plant. The truck bed is unloaded and jigged simultaneously at the transfer station for movement of the material through the plant for processing.

Abstract: A storage system for a building such as a house. Specially sized containers are kept in the unused space under the raised floor of a building. An opening in the floor provides access, and is closeable by a cover. A translation means supports the containers, and moves them from exactly under the opening to a space for stowage. The preferred translation means includes a rail system supporting a train of serially coupled wagons. Each wagon has a guard sized to receive matingly one container. The train is moveable to align one of the wagons with the floor opening, for access of its container. A dust cover protects the contents. Being transparent, the cover allows quick inspection of the contents. A jack includes moving arms that push the container upwards through an opening in the wagon, and then also through the floor opening. The rail system includes rails that are closed loop, and are either attached to the underside of the floor, or supported by the grade.

Abstract: A garbage or recyclable material handling system uses material containers each pivotally mounted to respective supports at desired locations for movement between a lower material receiving position and a partially inverted material discharge position. At least one materials collection vehicle is provided to communicate with respective containers when in the discharge position to receive the materials discharged therefrom. This vehicle has an actuator assembly mounted thereto including an arm extendible outwardly of the vehicle and having an actuator secured to a distal end of the arm.

Abstract: This is a top lift rotary-crane transfer device and system especially suited for transferring cargo containers between a railway car and one or more conveyors or other vehicles or storage spots. It has a revolving loadspreader on the end of a revolving crane connected by chain and sprockets or gearing to cancel to hold the loadspreader in parallel positions while translating around a supporting column. Improved alignment columns on the loadspreader are carried above the ground and swing up to clear over containers set on a conveyor. The alignment columns align the loadspreader transversely over a container, well car, flat-bed trailer, or along a conveyor. The alignment of the loadspreader can be turned if desired to engage one end first and help clear an adjacent car.

Abstract: A passenger lift (10) is provided for loading a passenger (12) into and out of an aircraft (14). Lift (10) includes a chassis (38) having a front (34) end and a back (36) end. A plurality of wheels (62 and 63) are attached to the chassis (38) providing means for moving the lift (10). The lift (10) also includes an electrical energy source (70) for providing electrical energy, and an energy converter (104) for translating the electrical energy from the electrical energy source (70) to mechanical energy. The lift (10) includes a rear support (40) generally perpendicular to the chassis (38) and attached to the back end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) has a basket (48) for holding the passenger (12) while the passenger is raised and lowered with the lift (10) and (48) is located at the front end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) includes a pair of lift arms (44) for lifting the basket (48), and a pair of stabilizing arms (42) for providing stability to the basket (48).