Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a horizontal framework, a pair of extension assemblies, a pair of upper, middle, and lower telescoping mast assemblies, and two pairs of fork tine assemblies is provided. Each pair of the extension assemblies, the telescoping mast assemblies, and the fork tine assemblies is identical to the other one in structure and function. The horizontal framework is coupled to an overhead bridge crane and is accessible to any load located within a minimum amount of aisle space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing logs from a forestry site. The apparatus and method includes a primary mobile machine having means attached to a rearward portion thereof for holding a first end of a first log cluster. The apparatus and method also includes a first secondary mobile machine with a first end having means for holding a second end of the first log cluster, and a second end having means for holding a first end of a second log cluster. The primary mobile machine and the first secondary mobile machine are interconnected by the first log cluster.

Abstract: A multi-terrain vertical lift transporter for lifting and transporting loads over various soil conditions and terrain. The lift transporter has a laterally adjustable wheel base to allow it to accommodate loads of varying widths. Further, the lift transporter does not require a counter-weight as the center of gravity of the load is substantially within the wheel base.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus for a straddle carrier having a spreader with a frame part having a plurality of lifting points, a plurality of hoisting cables each having a first and second end, a top frame having a hoisting mechanism and a first set of cable pulleys. The hoisting mechanism includes a lifting cylinder and a piston movably arranged within the lifting cylinder, and a second set of cable pulleys mounted onto the top frame, such that the second set of cable pulleys is driven by the extension of the piston and the hoisting cables are passed over the first set of cable pulleys and the second set of cable pulleys, respectively. The second end of the hoisting cables is connected to the hoisting mechanism wherein upon extension of the piston out of the lifting cylinder produces a lifting movement that is of an equal magnitude for each of the plurality of hoisting cables.

Abstract: A cask transporter for engaging, lifting and safely transporting casks containing nuclear waste material. The cask transporter comprises a gantry structure including a plurality of extendible telescoping boom assemblies coupled to a beam. A platform is coupled to and supports the gantry structure and couples the gantry structure to a driven tread mechanism. Couplers couple the beam to a cask to be transported, and cushioned restraints restrain a cask from colliding with the cask transporter.

Abstract: A chassis of the rear portion of a front wheel drive vehicle. The chassis includes a generally horizontal base rom which there rearwardly extends a pair of legs. Supported by the legs is a load-receiving bed by means of four hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders move the load-receiving bed between a lowered position adjacent a surface supporting the chassis and a raised transport position. A tail gate is attached to the rear of the load-receiving bed.

Abstract: A slag transporter (10) comprises a drive unit (12), a U-frame type vehicle frame (14) connected to the drive unit, two rear wheels (18) secured to the vehicle frame (14) and a tilting means hinged to the vehicle frame (14) for tilting a slag bucket (30). The tilting means for the slag bucket (30) comprises a first tilt frame (20) hinged to the vehicle frame (14) and which is swivable relative to the vehicle frame (14) by a first swivelling means. A second tilt frame (22) is pivot-mounted on the first tilt frame (20) and which is swivable relative to the first tilt frame (20) by a second swivelling means, a mount (28) being provided on the second tilt frame (22) for the bucket trunnions (32) of the slag bucket (30).

Abstract: A self-propelled, steerable straddle carrier (10) includes a main frame (12) supported on transport wheels (14) with a tong table (20) and a plurality of hydraulic lift actuator (34) for raising and lowering the tong table (20) relative to the main frame (12). A pair of front and rear slab tongs (42, 44) are pivotally mounted on the tong table (20) with a pair of front and rear pinch cylinders (43, 45) for opening and closing the slab tongs (42, 44). A pair of coil tongs (52) arm disposed between the front and rear slab tongs (42, 44) with a pair of inverted yoke assemblies for pivotally supporting the coil tongs (52) and a center pinch cylinder (60) for opening and closing the coil tongs (52). A pair of hydraulic actuators (34) interconnect the yoke assemblies and the main frame (12) for raising and lowering the coil tongs (52) relative to the slab tongs (42, 44) to permit the straddle carrier (10) to transport either stacks of steel slabs or a steel coil.

Abstract: A tree skidder transport machine and method wherein the machine has a hydraulically operated boom assembly extending rearwardly of a chassis. The boom assembly includes a main boom and a stick boom which cooperate hydraulically to lift the bottom end of a tree, or tree bunch, near the butt, and drag it forwardly over a bogied pair of chassis support wheels. With the further cooperation of a hydraulically actuated heel boom, the tree or tree bunch is then rotated vertically in a counterclockwise direction to lift its top end off the ground and move the tree or tree bunch forwardly a sufficient distance to bring some of the weight of the tree or tree bunch onto the front wheels of the machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle cargo lift having a bed (9) having posts (10) parallel to each other extending from the bed (9), a support frame (2) having two opposed side frames forming a well therebetween to accommodate the bed (9), at least one hollow elongated member (7) located in each side frame, drive devices (8) to move the bed (9) between a raised transport position and a ground engaging loading positions such that the bed (9) retains substantially the same orientation throughout its movement between the transport position and the loading position with the hollow elongated members (7) being telescopically engaged with respective posts (10) of the bed (9).

Abstract: A two wheeled trailed vehicle intended to be towed by a conventional frontal hitch attachment to the rear of an all terrain vehicle (ATV) or other relatively lightweight four wheel drive vehicle has a fixed, rigid, rear vertical hoist supporting an electric winch operated lift cable run through a snatch block at the top end of the hoist. Power is supplied by either a battery or other suitable source such as a small gasoline powered electrical generator on board the two wheeled vehicle and the winch is preferably controlled remotely as well as manually. A cinch attached at either end to a pair of lateral support points well below the snatch block is utilized to secure the end of the load elevated with operation of the winch upon the lift cable through the snatch block and attached to a choker chain which is removed after the load has been taken up by the cinch.

Abstract: Apparatus for the handling of truck trailers or transport containers and more particularly to an apparatus and method for a variable elevating cabin apparatus operable for controlled vertical movement within the framework of a gantry crane, wherein an operator positioned in the cabin may observe and control visual observation requirements for handling a work load from any elevation between ground level and the top of the crane.

Abstract: A cask transporter for engaging, lifting and safely transporting casks containing nuclear waste material. The cask transporter comprises a gantry structure including a plurality of extendible telescoping boom assemblies coupled to a beam. A platform is coupled to and supports the gantry structure and couples the gantry structure to a driven tread mechanism. Couplers couple the beam to a cask to be transported, and cushioned restraints restrain a cask from colliding with the cask transporter.

Abstract: A unit dolly having a detachable rectangular box frame with left and right side members and front and back members, each member having top and bottom members interconnected by vertical support posts, including four winches and lifting means for hoisting heavy or cumbersome objects, and a method for using the unit dolly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for turning a pair of wheels in a crane (1) moving on rubber-tired wheels or the like. The crane comprises an electric motor (28) with gearing (16), the electric motor functioning as traversing gear. When the wheels of the crane are turned, the locking device (15) prevents the wheels from turning is released, the crane is driven by the desired angle, and the locking device (15) preventing the wheels from turning is locked. Only one of the wheels (4a) in the pair of wheels is affected by the traversing gear of the crane, the other wheel (4b) being allowed to rotate freely.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transloading apparatus for transcontainers such as freight containers, interchangeable containers and semi-trailers including a crane trolley adapted to travel on a crane or portal, to which, by way of a lifting means, a load receiving means is fitted in a manner for raising and lowering.In order to enable the load receiving means to be guided and aligned more accurately in relation to the transcontainer, provision is made to connect to the load receiving apparatus two horizontally movable columns or lifting structures at a distance from one another which is fixed or can be adjusted in a defined manner and to render these vertically displaceable. Preferably each of the columns or each of the two lifting structures can be connected by way of a pendulum suspension to the load receiving means.

Abstract: A support for a cylindrical container adapted to engage said container at its mid-section and containing a rapid connect and disconnect flexible member adapted to pull together two hinged semi-circular members to permit the container to be firmly held in position.

Abstract: A device for connecting to, lifting at a first location load support surface, moving, inverting and releasing at a second load support surface individual heavy loads. The device includes a support frame for carrying heavy loads. The frame carries a mechanism for selective and controlled connection to and selective and controlled detachment from individual heavy loads, such as concrete molds with or without concrete in the molds. A lifting mechanism for providing selective and controlled vertical upward and downward movement to the connection mechanism and to any individual heavy load carried by the connection mechanism is associated with the connection mechanism. A mechanism for providing selective and controlled rotational movement of at least about 180.degree. to the connection mechanism and to any individual heavy load carried by the connection mechanism is also associated with the connection mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double bogey arrangement comprised of four wheels mounted in an opposed fashion for supporting the T-shaped upper end of a road lane barrier. The double bogey structure includes an elastomeric mounting to absorb operating shocks while transferring lane barriers from one lane to another. The four-wheel bogey precludes problems existing with present lane barrier positioning vehicles wherein the support wheels are caught in the separation between the series of lane barriers, thereby causing damage to the support wheels and to the lane barriers.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting elongated loads, such as logs, particularly in small scale logging operations, includes a longitudinally extending body and a transversely extending support member having a center portion connected to the body. Laterally spaced apart left and right legs extend downwardly from the center portion to weight bearing structure cooperating with lower ends of the legs to support the apparatus upon the ground. A load supporting device cooperates with the load and the body to support the load beneath the body. A restricting flexible tension link, for example a length of link chain, cooperates with lower ends of each leg and with a tensioning device which cooperates with the body and applies tension to the links to restrict the legs from excessive movement relative to the body. The apparatus has particular applications in skidding logs where conventional heavy duty skidders are inappropriate because of environmental or economic concerns.

Abstract: A transporter for raising, transporting and positioning ventilated nuclear waste storage casks includes a U-shaped platform that moves on a pair of independently controllable crawlers. A pair of lower lift beams, dimensioned to extend through the air channels of the cask, are slung below the platform. The rear ends of the lower lift beams can be raised and lowered by means of hydraulic cylinders carried on the platform. The forward ends of the lower lift beams can be raised and lowered by an upper lift beam that extends across the forward end of the platform between two vertically extendable columns. After the forward ends of the lower lift beams are inserted through the cask air channels, they are coupled to the upper lift beam by means of two lift pendants. A restraining strap encircles the cask and is tensioned by means of a hydraulic cylinder in order to keep the cask from swinging relative to the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for the handling of truck trailers or transport containers and more particularly to an apparatus and method for a variable elevating cabin apparatus operable for controlled vertical movement within the framework of a gantry crane, wherein an operator positioned in the cabin may observe and control visual observation requirements for handling a work load from any elevation between ground level and the top of the crane.

Abstract: A gantry crane has first and second side support frames spaced by a pair of trolley beams. A lifting mechanism is connected to the trolley beams and includes a lift frame for engaging a load to be lifted. An operator cab is mounted on the first side support frame and is vertically moveable between a lowermost position and an uppermost position in an operational plane defined by the first side support frame. A cab lift cable has a length and a first end fixed to the operator cab and a second end fixed to the side support frame. A hydraulic cylinder urges the cable between its fixed first and second ends in a direction transverse to a portion of its length.

Abstract: A self-propelled container handling apparatus handles a container in a container yard. The container handling apparatus reads an identification code borne on the container and senses a position of the container to be handled. On the basis of the container identification code read by the container handling apparatus and the container position sensed by the container handling apparatus, the inventory data for the containers stored in the container yard are updated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hoist system for a vehicle is provided. The hoist system includes a support frame mounted to the vehicle. A slidably extendable pair of parallel rails are mounted to the support frame. The front ends and the tail ends of the parallel rails can be connected. A crossbeam that supports a hoist mechanism is slidably suspended from the pair of rails. The support frame can be collapsibly hinged for transport. The support frame is mounted to the vehicle, at a height above the cab of the vehicle or alternatively incorporated into the ladder rack of the vehicle. The hoist system is light-in-weight with a versatile support frame that can transfer heavy and swinging or shifting loads. The hoist system is also heavy-duty and has an extended and side-to-side reach.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traversing gear arrangement for a crane moving on rubber-tired wheels or the like. The crane having an electric motor functioning as the traversing gear and including gearing and wheels arranged in pairs. The wheels in each of the pairs of wheels are connected to each other by a hollow pipe shaft such that one of the wheels is a drive wheel, while the other is a free wheel. The traversing gear connected to the drive wheel is mounted inside the pipe shaft.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent railcar tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars and/or boats or trucks in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one vehicle such as a railcar on a first of the railcar tracks and placing the load on another vehicle such as a railcar on a second of the railcar tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected railcars and other vehicles.

Abstract: A retractable traversing trash rake is provided for cleaning weedscreens or bar grates at an installation for generating power, filtering water, or the like. The trash rake includes a frame carrying a troney movable from a position inside the frame to a position outside the frame. The trolley carries a trash rake which may be lowered to clean the weedscreen, and the trolley may be moved to a position within the frame, where the trash rake may be opened to deposit collected debris into a hopper. The hopper is pivotally mounted for tilting in opposite direction to provide multiple dumping options. A method of cleaning weedscreen by using a retractable traversing trash rake is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gantry crane 10 is provided having a gantry structure 12 with a pair of front support legs 18 and 20 and a pair of rear support legs 26 and 28. A lift frame 14, having opposed first and second ends 14a and 14b, is suspended from the gantry structure 12. A stabilizing beam 68 operatively connects the lift frame 14 to the gantry structure 12 to prevent sway of the lift frame 14. The stabilizing beam 68 is positioned between the pair of front support legs 18 and 20 and the pair of rear support legs 26 and 28. Preferably, the stabilizing beam 68 is connected proximate a longitudinal center of the lift frame 14. The stabilizing beam 68 is connected to vertical guides 70 and 72 that are connected to the gantry structure 12 so as to be vertically moveable along the guides 70 and 72. A four corner cross-reeving/clutch system 79 is provided to dampen rotational sway of the ends 14a and 14b of the lift frame 14.

Abstract: A system for building, testing, and repairing gas turbine engines and for transporting gas turbine engines from one location to another includes a transporter and a build cell. The build cell is a frame structure supported by a plurality of pedestals for mounting the gas turbine engine thereon and is transportable by the transporter to allow assembly and disassembly of the gas turbine engine at any location. The transporter removes the gas turbine engine from either a build cell or another type of a structure at a first location and transports the gas turbine engine either with or without the build cell to a second location and loads the gas turbine engine onto either a build cell or a second structure.

Abstract: A disposal facility for loading objects stored in a bin into a container. The facility includes a plurality of subassemblies, each having a bin and a container. A movable gantry is disposed for movement over each of the subassemblies. A movable gripping assembly, coupled to a carriage traversing an upper section of the gantry, moves perpendicular to the direction of movement of the carriage. The movable gripping assembly includes an activation device for raising the bin, from a rest position to a position above the container, opening the bottom of the bin, closing the bottom of the bin, and replacing the bin to its original rest position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle for carrying a load over a street has in a preferred embodiment a bottom platform for supporting the load, a frame, disposed above the bottom platform and mounted to it, for providing structural integrity to the vehicle, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the frame, and a door arrangement disposed on a side of the vehicle. In further embodiments, the wheels are retractable, so as to permit the bottom platform to approach the street level to facilitate loading and unloading of the vehicle. Additionally, the door arrangement includes a large doorway and a plurality of doors, each door slidably mounted, and all doors are movable to an open position located near an end of the vehicle to expose the large doorway to facilitate loading and unloading of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a center-line loading harvester that can: 1) drive up to a filled fruit picker's tub; 2) lift the tub and transfer its contents to a hopper from whence a conveyor moves the fruit to a larger dump bin; 3) place the tub back on the ground; and 4) drive over the tub without damaging it or moving it appreciably from a desired location at which it was "spotted". The apparatus of the invention also provides a tub-holding magazine on the harvester that can both: 1) pick empty tubs off the ground and store them in a stack; and 2) take empty tubs from a stack and spot them on the ground.

Abstract: A system for building, testing, and repairing gas turbine engines and for transporting gas turbine engines from one location to another includes a transporter and a build cell. The build cell is a frame structure supported by a plurality of pedestals for mounting the gas turbine engine thereon and is transportable by the transporter to allow assembly and disassembly of the gas turbine engine at any location. The transporter removes the gas turbine engine from either a build cell or another type of a structure at a first location and transports the gas turbine engine either with or without the build cell to a second location and loads the gas turbine engine onto either a build cell or a second structure.

Abstract: An improved gantry crane that has a control cab mounted for vertical up and down movement substantially parallel with respect to the upstanding columns of the crane between a lowermost position adjacent the ground and infinite positions within a fixed range. One or both of the sill beams of the crane include a downwardly offset mid-portion extending adjacent to the ground but spaced therefrom with the mid-portion of one of the sill beams being positioned to receive the control cab when in the lowermost position thereof. A supporting beam supports the control cab therebeneath so that the operator in the cab has a 360 degree substantially unobstructed view in all directions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a two-wheeled device that can roll over and straddle three sizes of tanks, extend the adjustable feet to a lift position, raise the back end of the tank, connect a chain and hook to the front end of the tank, lift both front and back tank legs off the ground, and roll the tank over the ground or floor. The handle length is adjustable to accommodate three different tank lengths and the chain and hook can also adjust horizontally to accommodate these three lengths. The feet are also retractable to permit rolling the device past the two front legs on the tank.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent rail car tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one rail car on a first of the rail car tracks and placing the load on another rail car on a second of the rail car tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected rail cars.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to a main frame of a vehicle for handling straddled loads including coil-shaped loads and slab-shaped loads entered into a load carrying space of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a moveable lift frame having both a tong assembly and probe assembly suspended therefrom. The tong assembly includes tong actuators and depending tongs for clamping a slab-shaped load, while the probe assembly includes a displaceable probe for penetrating coil shaped loads. When the apparatus is used for engaging a slab-shaped load, the probe is displaced so as to be withdrawn from the load carrying space, and the depending tongs are actuated to clamp the load. When the apparatus is used for engaging a coil shaped load, the probe is displaced into the load carrying space and the vehicle is moved to penetrate the load with the probe. With either load, the lift frame is then raised to elevate the engaged load.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting truck trailers and cargo containers is provided and includes a plurality of side latch assemblies. A side fitting connection device is secured to four predetermined locations on external upper side locations of a trailer or a container. Each side latch assembly includes a complementary shaped member adaptable to engage with and be secured to each side fitting device. The side fitting devices and side latch assemblies, when connected and engaged together, permit top side lifting of trailers and containers for intermodal movement thereof. The external upper side locations of the side fitting device permit full, complete and more profitable usage of the internal space of volume of truck trailers or cargo containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting truck trailers and cargo containers is provided and includes a plurality of latch arm assemblies. A side fitting connection device is secured at four predetermined locations on external upper side locations of a trailer or a container. Each interlocking latch arm assembly includes a complementary shaped projection member adaptable to engage with and be secured to each side fitting device. The side fitting connection device and latch arm assembly, when connected and engaged together, permit top side lifting of trailers and containers for intermodal movement thereof. The external upper side locations of the side fitting device permit full, complete and more profitable usage of the internal space or volume of truck trailers or cargo containers.

Abstract: A water bottle installation apparatus with a vertical frame and support base designed to lift, transport and invert large water bottles. The apparatus includes a cranking device, and two pulleys arranged so that a line attached to the cranking means runs through a first pulley located on an extending arm at the top of the frame, down through a second pulley located on a yoke of the device, and back up to the extending arm, so that the yoke hangs freely from the extending arm. A girdle is provided to be secured around the water bottle and rotatably attached to the yoke, so that the yoke, the girdle and the bottle can be raised and lowered by the cranking device, and the girdle can rotate within the yoke so that the bottle is easily inverted into a water cooler.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent rail car tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one rail car on a first of the rail car tracks and placing the load on another rail car on a second of the rail car tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected rail cars.

Abstract: An arrangement for coupling hoisting equipment with containers, and particularly to a side latch interconnect apparatus and method for expediting the interaction of hoisting equipment with containers and making such equipment more reliable. The arrangement includes: a rectangular framing structure adapted for coupling to a container lifting device; a latching mechanism for releasable latching onto a side of a container to provide a substantially vice grip-like engagement coupled to and extending downwardly and inwardly from the framing structure to sufficiently reach a side portion of the container without extending into the cargo space of the container, and a retractable interconnectable device for lateral adjustment of the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a paper roll used in a printing press. This device is comprised of an inverted U-shaped frame made up of a horizontal member supported by two vertical members. Two hydraulic cylinders are supported by the horizontal member so that each extends substantially parallel to a vertical member of the frame. A hydraulic power unit is attached to the top of the horizontal member to actuate the hydraulic cylinders. A hydraulic directional control valve controls the direction of flow of hydraulic fluid in order to effectuate the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders and thereby raise and lower the paper roll.

Abstract: A hand cart for lifting, transporting and installing toilets, including a wheeled base and frame designed to straddle a toilet. The lifting member includes a hand operated screw jack and ball engaging grapples and a rim clamp to securely hold the toilet on the cart during the lifting and transporting process.

Abstract: A self-propelled straddle carrier for straddling, lifting, supporting and carrying heavy loads directly under the structure of the vehicle. A main frame including a pair of spaced-apart, longitudinally extending side beams and arch-shaped cross beams is supported on wheels and strut assemblies. The interior sides of the wheels, strut assemblies, side beams and the cross beams form a tunnel-shaped load carrying space defining the inner envelope of the carrier, while their exterior sides define the outer envelope of the carrier. A tong assembly, including a tong actuator and a pair of depending tongs is suspended from the main frame for vertical movement up and down in the tunnel-shaped load carrying space. All components are removable from the tunnel for straddling loads, yet remain within the outer envelope during normal transport.

Abstract: For picking up and moving containers with corner castings on platforms, railway wagons or ships, two carriages are locked one to each end face of the container. These carriages have sets of wheels, which are vertically movable therein and allow displacement of the carriages in their longitudinal direction. With the wheels of each set at the same height, the carriages are in the lowest position and can be locked by locks in the corner castings of the container. By moving one wheel of each set of each carriage down, the carriage and, if locked thereto, the container are lifted for displacement. Such wheels can bridge gaps between loading surfaces and differences in height between such surfaces. The carriages may also have wheels with a horizontal axis transverse to the other wheels, to allow movement of the carriages with or without a container transversely to their longitudinal direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ground level loading universal trailer comprising a U-shaped frame; a support bed being pivotally connected to either side and near the rear end thereof to the frame which is mounted upon two stub axles having wheels mounted thereupon; a pair of clevis-like members fixedly attached to the sides and near the forward end of the support bed to receive a portion of the frame to lock the support bed in a transport mode with locking pins; a tongue device having a first tongue extension member fixedly attached to and extending forward the frame and having a second tongue extension member hingedly attached near a central portion thereof to the outer end of the first tongue extension member; and a winch mechanism mounted upon an upright elongate support member fixedly attached to the second tongue extension member for lowering and raising the support bed without any part of the tongue device being disconnected and with ease and convenience for a lone user, in particular.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the lifting and lowering of large cargo containers. A trolley assembly includes a hoist drum from which is suspended a system of cable or rope reevings connected to material securing assembly. The apparatus is effective to unload containers stacked one above another from one location to an alternate location. The system of cable reevings permits the raising and lowering of containers in planes defined by X, Y, and Z axes. The cables are deployed from the hoist drum on the trolley assembly to sheaves disposed at the four corners of the material securing assembly and then returned to anchor assemblies secured to an undercarriage of the trolley assembly. The sheaves are selectively angled and located in headblock assemblies positioned on the material securing assembly. A system of brakes controls movement of the cables through the sheaves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robotic paint system for aircraft consisting of a robotic wash/rinse gantry, a robotic cart carrying a robotic painting system, and a control system.The paint system includes a robotically controlled wash/rinse gantry movable along the entire extent of the aircraft being maintained. A robotically controlled cart is provided which is carried by a plurality of wheel assemblies on a curved track. A robotically controlled platform is provided for carrying the robotic painting system, and a mechanism is also provided for adjusting the platform up and down as well as towards and away from the platform.