Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the operation of primary hoist and bridge apparatus, and gantry drive functions of the equipment. There is provided a side shift grappler apparatus to handle or pick up a truck trailer vehicle loaded with two containers and transfer the load from a roadway to a flat bed railroad car. The apparatus is adaptable to adjust or position the loaded truck trailer vehicle on the flat bed railroad car so as to place the fifth wheel of the trailer vehicle over and about the mounting stanchion of the flat bed railroad car for secure attachment thereat. The apparatus avoids the need to move the crane apparatus for only a relatively slight adjustment for positioning a loaded truck trailer on a flat bed railroad car.

Abstract: A mechanical lifting device is the subject of the present invention. The device includes a framework which may be easily collapsed or assembled and comprises a plurality of tubular pieces which are held in place by bolts utilized as set screws. Two upright spaced apart frame sections support two spaced apart support bars and a gear rack and lever are employed to effect movement of the support bars. A platform may be mounted on the support bars to provide a scaffold. The platform may also be removed and the support bars positioned over a load to lift it straight upwardly.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the operation of primary hoist and bridge apparatus, and gantry drive functions of the equipment. There is provided a side shift grappler apparatus to handle or pick up a truck trailer vehicle loaded with two containers and transfer the load from a roadway to a flat bed railroad car. The apparatus is adaptable to adjust or position the loaded truck trailer vehicle on the flat bed railroad car so as to place the fifth wheel of the trailer vehicle over and about the mounting stanchion of the flat bed railroad car for secure attachment thereat. The apparatus avoids the need to move the crane apparatus for only a relatively slight adjustment for positioning a loaded truck trailer on a flat bed railroad car.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle for transporting and feeding round bales of hay consisting of a vehicle frame having wheels, which are retractable for setting the vehicle on the ground, a trailer hitch for towing the vehicle, a plurality of inverted U shaped frame members for supporting opposing jaws which are attached at the top of the inverted U shaped frame member. The opposing jaws engage bales of hay between them. Once the bales are lifted off the ground they can be transported to storage and stacked by raising the jaws, or the hay may be fed to cattle. The vehicle frame is surrounded by feeder bars which allow cattle to access the hay contained in the vehicle, by sticking their necks between the bars.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inside loader, designed as a trailer for a semi-tractor, for road traffic, and for loading, transporting and unloading transportation racks, preferably for plate glass. The loader includes an undercarriage having parallel longitudinal members, on the outside of each of which are located the axles of one side of the trailer. The axles are individually mounted on axle rocker arms supported by air shocks which, in their filled condition, serve as axle shocks, and in their empty condition are used to load or unload a transportation racks. Preferably, the invention's inside loader is equipped at the back of the undercarriage with a hinged gate which, when closed, connects the longitudinal members of the undercarriage with one another.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the operation of primary hoist and bridge structure, and gantry drive functions of the equipment. There is provided an auxiliary hoist grapple apparatus to unload containers stacked one above another from one location to another parallel thereto, from one roadway to a parallel roadway, or from one flat bed railroad car to another flat bed railroad car disposed upon a track that is parallel to and adjacent to the track on which the first railroad car is located. The apparatus is adaptable to straddle two locations, parallel roadways, or parallel railroad tracks and effect interchange of containers to and from trucks or railroad cars positioned on the parallel roadways or tracks.

Abstract: A powered vehicle for operating ladles and the like, in particular ladles utilized for tapping molten aluminium, which vehicle comprises an arcuate load-bearing structure substantially of the rigid bridge girder type resting securely on two opposedly located trucks associated with the bottoms and exteriors of the bridge girder end uprights, one of said trucks carrying a motor means and respective drive to at least one of the trucks, and the other carrying a fitted driver cab for an operator, associated with said bridge girder there being an additional bridge girder structure mounted for a vertical sliding movement along guides formed on the uprights of said bridge girder by hydraulic cylinders or the like, with whose opposite uprights there are associated, at opposite locations, projecting elements of cradle- or fork-like configuration, or the like, adapted to receive, support, and hold studs or pins standing proud of a ladle surface, at diametrically opposed locations thereon, whereby the ladle can be hooked

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for replacing an assembled section of track in a track renewal section, the assembled track section consisting of rails fastened to ties defining spaces therebetween, comprises a succession of transport vehicles having undercarriages capable of running on the track for moving therealong, and hoists for gripping and carrying the assembled track section are mounted on the transport vehicles. An elongated overhead girder extends in a plane above the transport vehicles and has longitudinally extending sides defining therebetween a guide track for moving the succession of transport vehicles therealong, and drives move the vehicles along the guide track.

Abstract: A straddle-lift carrier for transporting long heavy loads, having adjusta width for accommodating various size loads and for compacting the carrier for storage. The adjustable width allows the carrier to negotiate relatively narrow passages. A high degree of maneuverabiltity is achieved by utilization of independently driven and steered traction wheels. Raising and lowering of loads is accomplished by hydraulically operated forklift mechanisms disposed on either side of the carrier. Operation of the carrier is controlled by a handheld remote control unit.

Abstract: A multiple use agricultural vehicle is disclosed for collecting and transporting a plurality of hay bales at different levels which includes an auxiliary structure for lifting and transporting livestock. The vehicle includes an elongated mobile frame having laterally spaced side members with upper and lower lifting and supporting members movably mounted thereon and arranged in longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed nesting units. The vehicle includes separate motors for selectively moving the upper lifting and supporting unit between a lowered nested position and a raised load supporting position, and sequentially raising the lower lifting and supporting unit to a load supporting position, or raising the nested upper and lower units simultaneously to a load supporting position. A goose-neck tongue member is pivotally connected at the forward end of the frame to permit pulling of the vehicle by a prime mover in longitudinal alignment and in laterally offset relation.

Abstract: An improved transport assembly including a carriage and container arrangement which provides for moving a plurality of containers into several recesses of a moveable carriage frame and lifting the carriage frame for mass movement of the containers by the carriage frame.

Abstract: To expedite loading and unloading of a truck, in particular of a beverage supply truck, the truck is provided with a load carrier which is received by a portal-like frame, surrounding the load carrier in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and open at least at one side. Due to lifting elements, the load carrier can be lifted from the ground into the frame. If the load carrier is lowered to the ground, loading and unloading is facilitated. Moreover, the load carrier can be laterally removed from the frame on a roller conveyor.

Abstract: Load lifting and transporting apparatus which comprises plural individual units that can be combined into a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the load. There are load lifting units equipped with a jack screw and there are load engaging units equipped with plates for engaging the load. Each of the units is provided with sleeves through which elongate bars can be introduced to retain the lifting and engaging units in a framework surrounding the load. The load engaging units can be provided in various forms such as a unit with a plate that can be positioned beneath the periphery of a rigid load, a unit having flexible belts or the like that can be passed beneath irregularly shaped loads, a unit specifically adapted to pass beneath the wheels of a vehicle, and a unit including a truss that can be positioned above a load.

Abstract: A floating axle assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprises an axle extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and beneath its frame. Wheels are connected to the axle and reinforcement members extend rearwardly from the axle to attachment points on the frame. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies are positioned above the axle and provide required support. The axle is telescopic and height adjustable. The configuration allows the center area of the vehicle to be cleared for crop flow.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus for releasably attaching a structure, such as a wheel assembly, to a standardized ISO container is disclosed. The ISO container includes standardized holes or openings situated in each corner of the container. The structure to be attached includes holes or openings that are substantially alignable with the ISO openings along the bottom edge of the container well. A locking lug is provided which is carried in the structure openings and releasably engageable with the ISO container openings. The locking lug comprises a shaft having an enlarged end portion which fits through the container openings. When inserted, the shaft is rotatable to a locking position. The locking lug is then tensioned to provide a secure and tight coupling between the structure and the container. The structure to be attached to the container is a wheel assembly having an interface assembly for interfacing with the container wall.

Abstract: An elevator for the handling of containers, particularly in harbors, comprises a self-propelled or fixed framework (1), which may also be completely or in part incorporated with the structure of the quay crane, suitable for the receipt of trailers or railway wagons in its lower part.At the inside of the framework (1) there is defined an empty space with a vertical axis, open at the top and at the bottom, for the vertical transfer--in either vertical direction--of containers (3, 76) between two end positions: the upper one to receive from or to deliver to a grabbing element of the quay crane the containers (3, 76) and the lower one to deliver the containers to, or to withdraw them from, a trailer or a railway wagon situated in a gallery equipped and comprised between the body sides of the framework (1) at the base of said empty space.Between the end positions of the elevator at least one intermediate position is provided in order to form a storage unit for containers (3, 76).

Abstract: The bale feeding attachment is mountable on a machine for handling large round bales that has a vertically adjustable elongated main frame including a pair of transversely spaced side structures, each of which has a longitudinal ramp member. The ramp members are movable with the frame to lowered positions at opposite side portions of a ground supported bale and engageable, on elevation of the frame, with the bale side portions to support the bale for transport. The attachment includes a pair of laterally extendible and retractable bale supporting units, each of which, when retracted, is pivotally movable on an associated side structure to an inoperative position permitting a normal use of the bale handling machine. When a bale is in a transport position, between the supporting units, the supporting units are pivotally moved and laterally extended to move bale feeding rollers thereon into bale holding positions, free of the machine ramp members.

Abstract: A cable winding machine movable on a bedding (2) and having two vertical support members (1) interconnected by an extensible cross bar (14). The support members carry spindles (3) for supporting a cable reel (4). Each of the spindles is displaceable along its support member (1). The cable reel (4) rests on a pallet (7), except during a cable reeling or unreeling process. Lifting members (9) project at the lower part of at least one of the support members (1) for carrying the pallet (7) at the same time as the cable reel (4) is carried by the spindles (3). The lifting members (9) are resiliently suspended and assume a lower position when they are loaded by a pallet (7) with a reel (4) and assume an upper position when they are loaded with only a pallet (7). In the upper position of the lifting members (9), the pallet (7) is lifted up from the bedding (2) in order not to obstruct the movement of the cable winding machine on the bedding (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoist for boats. The hoist comprises two booms which are connected at one of their ends by a cross member. The hoist is supported by three wheels which are associated with only one boom and with the cross member, and a counterweight is located in the angle formed by this boom and this cross member. The invention can be used for lowering small pleasure boats into the water.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving merchandise gondolas comprises a collapsible rolling scaffold frame of walk-through type and an adjustable carrying attachment secured to the scaffold frame and adapted for lifting and carrying a merchandise display gondola. A gondola engaged by the carrying attachment may be raised to or lowered from carrying position by manipulating adjustment screws associated with the scaffold casters or with adjustable shoring heads which support the carrying attachment.

Abstract: A straddle carrier for heavy loads of the type which is driven over a load so that the load is generally beneath the carrier and straddled by the wheels of the carrier. The carrier includes a main frame which has a gripping tong mechanism integrally mounted thereon for clamping the load. The entire main frame and tong assembly may be raised and lowered to permit handling the load by means of cylinder/strut arrangements at each of the four wheels. A linkage comprising extensions from the wheel carrying members and a steering cross bar associated with each of the front and rear pairs of wheels is hydraulically activated independently of the main frame to permit steering the vehicle from any elevation. Mounted on the main frame, and like the main frame lowered and raised relative to the wheels, are an operator's cab and a motor and pump housing for driving the straddle carrier and actuating the various hydraulic cylinders of the carrier.

Abstract: Bale carrier apparatus for rapidly and easily handling and transporting large cylindrical hay bales. The bale carrier has a main support frame including a pair of spaced apart longitudinal support arms and hitch means connected to one end of the main support frame for detachably connecting the support frame to a towing vehicle. Means are provided to selectively raise or lower the support arms in relation to the ground surface between a lowered position wherein the support arms are positioned at a height below the axial height of a bale to be loaded and spaced apart by a distance less than the diameter of the bale, and a raised position wherein the support arms supportively engage the bale so as to lift the bale above the ground to a load carrying position. In operation, the support frame is positioned adjacent the bale to be loaded so that the axis of the bale projects between the support arms.

Abstract: A bale carrier comprising a horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having an open rearward end and a forward end. The U-shaped frame includes first and second side frame members having a front frame member secured thereto and extending between the forward ends thereof. A rocker shaft is rotatably supported by the front frame member and has a hitch secured thereto which extends forwardly therefrom for connection to a prime mover. Rearwardly extending elongated members are secured to opposite ends of the rocker shaft so that longitudinal movement of the elongated members causes the rocker shaft to be rotated. Wheel supports are pivotally secured to the side frame members adjacent the rearward ends thereof and are pivotally connected to the rearward ends of the elongated members. A ground-engaging wheel is mounted on each of the wheel supports whereby pivotal movement of the wheel supports, relative to the side frame members, causes the U-shaped frame to be raised and lowered with respect to the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling one or more large bales of material. A mobile chassis forms a load-carrying chamber open at the rear end so that the chassis can be backed over one or more bales. A tongue is attached to the forward end of the chassis. The tongue is preferably attached to the chassis for between a position in which the motive vehicle and the chassis are in longitudinal alignment and a second position in which the motive vehicle is parallel with and laterally offset from the chassis, leaving the front of the chassis open to be pulled forward over one or more bales. A pair of load-lifting and supporting members are pivotally attached to the respective sides of the load-carrying chamber. Track members extend transversely across the top of the load-carrying chamber, with a pair of carriages adapted to move outwardly along the track members. Longitudinally expandable force members are connected between the carriages and the load-lifting structures.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a trailer to be towed by a tractor or truck and hydraulically powered from a hydraulic power source on the tractor or truck for picking up round bales of hay lying on their sides in the field, and for transporting the bales. Each embodiment has spaced-apart rails adapted to lift and cradle round bales of hay, the spacing of the rails being variable for handling bales of different diameters, the rails being adapted to pick up bales in the manner of a fork lift. In the first embodiment, means is provided for towing the trailer either to the left or right of the towing vehicles as well as in line with the towing vehicle, and the trailer may be maneuvered for nonstop front or rear loading and unloading of bales. In the second (and simpler) embodiment, loading and unloading is from the rear only. In each embodiment, the rails are adapted to be positioned generally horizontally, with the bales lifted off the ground for transporting the bales, and to be lowered for unloading the bales.

Abstract: A pass through forklift-type vehicle for picking up large cylindrical or round bales of hay while the vehicle is moving, and discharging the bales at a preselected location while the vehicle is moving. The vehicle comprises a frame having a longitudinally extending open-ended tunnel therein and a pair of spaced mutually parallel lifting rails secured longitudinally in the tunnel and extending beyond both ends thereof. Each rail is operably connected with a respective pair of vehicle wheels whereby the rails and housing may be alternately raised to a position adjacent the surface of the ground and elevated to a position spaced above the ground. In the lowered position of the rails, the rails may be utilized for engaging the opposite sides of a hay bale, and the rails and hay bale engaged thereby may be simultaneously raised for supporting the bale in an elevated position as the vehicle moves across the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A sliver can transporting dolly comprising a base frame having substantially parallel longitudinal support beams and mechanism for laterally tilting, gripping underneath and lifting cans standing between the longitudinal support beams of the base frame.

Abstract: A load handling apparatus particularly suited for incorporation into a vehicle for lifting and transporting heavy loads such as steel slabs, comprising a main frame for straddling a load, pivoting lift frames to provide the lifting capacity of the apparatus, suspended load engaging and clamping members and hydraulic cylinders to actuate the lift frames and the load engaging and clamping members. In the illustrated embodiment, a control system is provided for the cylinders which includes provision for synchronously extending and retracting the lift cylinders and for accommodating any necessary adjustment of the length of the clamping cylinders as the load engaging and clamping members, with a load engaged and suspended therebetween, move transversely relative to the main frame, changing the distance between the points of connection of the cylinder.

Abstract: To simplify, lighten and reduce the cost of the rear wheel suspension on straddle carriers while increasing the operational efficiency of the suspension, a longitudinal walking beam is swingably mounted at its center on a transverse axis trunnion secured to a sturdy depending box beam on the straddle carrier frame. Rear wheel axle assemblies for pairs of tandem rear wheels are carried by the forward and rear ends of the walking beam. Shock struts are interconnected between the forward and rear ends of the walking beam and sturdy holders on the interior of the depending box beam in upwardly converging relationship for efficient operation. The shock struts can be hydraulic, air operated or mechanical with coil springs and cables.