Abstract: A combination forklift and truck secured together to allow the forklift to be transported from one site to another by the truck. The truck has a horizontal platform with a back end and has a mounting kit secured underneath the horizontal platform. The mounting kit comprises a mounting frame, a pair of sleeves and a pair of arms slidably received within the sleeves. The arms extend upwardly and outwardly from the back end of the horizontal platform of the truck and terminate in arm ends adapted to engage two hooks secured to the frame of the forklift. When the hooks of the forklift frame are engaged with the arm ends, the forklift is in a raised supported position above the ground.

Abstract: A keyboard etching apparatus includes a base on which a frame is fixed to support a laser beam source and a keyboard tray thereon to be spaced from each other in such a manner to allow a laser beam emitted from the laser beam source to project onto a keyboard removably supported on the keyboard tray for performing etching operation on the keyboard. A keyboard supply cart having a plurality of non-etched keyboards held therein and a keyboard collecting cart for collecting etched keyboards are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the frame and movable along rails fixed on the base. A conveyor system is arranged between the keyboard supply cart and the keyboard collecting cart for sequentially moving each of the non-etched keyboards received in the keyboard supply cart to the keyboard tray to be etched by the laser beam and to simultaneously move the etched keyboard from the keyboard tray to the keyboard collecting cart to be collected therein.

Abstract: A trailer and a method for loading a trailer onto a transport vehicle. The trailer is elevated, causing a rear axle assembly of the trailer to pivot from a forward position to a position that is generally normal to the trailer frame. A front wheel axle assembly is rotated upwardly, and the trailer is then subsequently slid/or pushed along a generally planar bed surface of the transport vehicle. The end of the bed surface contacts the rear axle assembly during the sliding process, and with continuing sliding the rear axle assembly moves from a normal position to a rearward position.

Abstract: The present invention is adapted to provide a method for identifying a machine dump occurrence of an earthmoving machine. The method includes determining an initial elevation of a point on the machine. The elevation of the point is then monitored to determine when a dumping threshold is exceeded. The ground speed is also monitored to determine if the machine 102 is moving at a speed indicative of dumping. When the machine speed is below a dumping speed, and the receiver 116 has exceeded a dumping threshold the machine 102 may be determined to have dumped its load.

Abstract: A forklift having a frame supported by front and rear wheels is mounted on a carrier by inserting its forks into pockets mounted on the frame of the carrier vehicle and lifting the wheels of the forklift off the ground. A pair of wheel abutments on the underside of the carrier serve as abutments for the front wheels of the forklift to prevent its forward movement. A combined lock and support structure connected to the frame of the carrier prevents separation of the forklift from the carrier after the hydraulic system of the forklift is neutralized and all pressure on the forks, carriage, and mast are relieved of support forces.

Abstract: A transporter (10) for moving itself and a load (12) between storage and work positions at different levels. The transporter (10) includes a lift assembly (16) and a support assembly (14) pivotally or slidably mounted on the lift assembly (16). The lift assembly (16) is operatively connected to the support assembly (14) for movement between transporting and storage positions. The support assembly (14) includes wheels (26, 37) for providing movement for the entire unit in either the transport position or the storage position.

Abstract: A device for securing a goods handling carriage (1) on a truck, comprises a support chassis (11) provided with first anchoring and securing structure (14a, 15a) to secure the chassis (11) on the bed (3) of the truck, and second anchoring and securing structure (14b, 15b) to secure the chassis (11) below the truck bed (3).

Abstract: A forklift having a frame supported by front and rear wheels is mounted on a carrier by inserting its forks into pockets mounted on the frame of the carrier vehicle and lifting the wheels of the forklift off the ground. A pair of wheel abutments on the underside of the carrier serve as abutments for the front wheels of the forklift to prevent its forward movement. A combined lock and support structure connected to the frame of the carrier prevents separation of the forklift from the carrier after the hydraulic system of the forklift is neutralized and all pressure on the forks, carriage, and mast are relieved of support forces.

Abstract: A universal forklift truck mounting frame (1) for fitting at a rear end of a carrier vehicle chassis has a composite base support framework. The base support framework has a rear support beam (8) and a front support beam (20) interconnected by a pair of spaced-apart hanger plates (5). Each hanger plate (5) has a flanged upper end (6) to provide a laterally extending chassis engaging surface. A wheel rest plate (9) is mounted at each end of the rear support beam (8). A pair of fork support sleeves (18), each for engagement with a fork of a forklift truck are mounted on the support framework between and substantially parallel to the hanger plates (5). A crash bar (10) is mounted at a rear end of the hanger plates (5).

Abstract: An improved slope plate assembly is provided for a truck box for use in transporting particulate material. The slope plate assembly include a plurality of slope plate sections pivotally connected to the opposite side walls of the truck box so as to be movable between a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position. In the lowered position, particulate material flows by gravity along the slope plate sections for discharge into an auger assembly residing below the floor of the truck box. In the raised position, bulk material or other cargo can be loaded into the truck box. A multiple-piece dividing wall can also be installed in the truck box to divide the box into multiple compartments, with the slope plates being in the lowered position in the forward compartment and in the raised position in the rearward compartment, such that particulate material may be transported in the forward compartment and bulk material transported in the rearward compartment.

Abstract: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit. The upper surface of the bag is fabricated from one or more rigid panels which may be attached to the inside or outside of the upper surface of the bag. In one embodiment, the rigid panels are separate and operate independently from one another. In a second embodiment, the panels are attached via hinge mechanisms.

Abstract: A self-propelled lift truck comprising a forward carriage assembly, which includes a pair of spaced apart ground engageable wheels and a vertical mast on which is mounted a forwardly projecting fork assembly for lifting and lowering of loads thereon by relative upward and downward movement and a rearward carriage assembly which includes at least one ground engageable wheel and on which is supported a power source for operating components of the lift truck. The forward and rearward carriage assemblies are connected by an articulated support assembly which includes forward, intermediate and rearward transversely spaced apart support members. The foremost ends of the forward support members are pivotally attached to the forward carriage assembly. The rearmost ends of the rearward support members are pivotally attached to the rearward carriage assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooperative arrangement with a vacuum vehicle and a source of vacuum-transportable matter is provided for collecting vacuum-transportable matter within a matter collection chamber of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a vacuum hose connected at one end to the matter collection chamber and a hollow probe having an outlet connected at an opposite end. A pivoting structure is connected between the vehicle and the probe and is hydraulically and electrically controllable from the within the cab of the vehicle to thereby guide the probe. An extraction funnel is fluidly connected to the source of vacuum-transportable matter and is configured to be sealingly engageable with the probe outlet. The probe is guided from the cab of the vehicle into sealing engagement with the extraction funnel so that vacuum-transportable matter may flow from the source of vacuum-transportable matter into the matter collection chamber under the presence of vacuum generated therein.

Abstract: A hand truck for transporting heavy machinery such as printing presses or machine tools of any type. The truck includes a bed having a number of revolving rollers by which the bed rests on the floor. A platform is supported on the bed for rotation around a vertical axis, and on which the machine rests. A drive unit is mounted on the bed and controls rotation of the rollers and hence travel of the truck. A steering device controls the travel direction of the truck and a control unit on the steering device controls the drive unit.

Abstract: A forklift having a frame supported by front and rear wheels is mounted on a carrier by inserting its forks into pockets mounted on the frame of the carrier vehicle and lifting the wheels of the forklift off the ground. A pair of wheel abutments on the underside of the carrier serve as abutments for the front wheels of the forklift to prevent its forward movement. A combined lock and support structure connected to the frame of the carrier prevents separation of the forklift from the carrier after the hydraulic system of the forklift is neutralized and all pressure on the forks, carriage, and mast are relieved of support forces.

Abstract: An excavating machine includes a discharge conveyor which is movable (1) from an operative position in which an inlet end thereof is located directly under the outlet end of an associated loading conveyor (2) to a transport position in which the discharge conveyor extends substantially in parallel with the loading conveyor and in which the discharge end thereof is located between the inlet and discharge ends of the loading conveyor--thereby maintaining the discharge conveyor within the dimensional confines of the vehicle on which it is mounted. Movement of the discharge conveyor from its operative position to its stowed or transport position is facilitated by a support assembly including a slide and a turntable assembly. The slide includes a base which is mounted on rails or the like so as to move laterally with respect to the chassis, and the turntable assembly supports the discharge conveyor on the base for rotation about a vertical axis.

Abstract: The method of unloading provides for unloading of a cargo container without having to tip the container up on its end to cause a gravity flow. The method provides for placing a liner on the floor of a cargo container with side walls, front wall, ceiling and back opening. Suspending a bulkhead at the rear opening of the container from an upper portion of the container so it does not depend upon the floor for support. Placing a cargo within the container on the liner. Removing a bottom portion of the bulkhead and attaching an end of the liner located at the back opening to an unloading apparatus which has been detachably connected to the rear of the container, and then pulling the liner out, and as the liner is pulled out, the cargo on the liner is unloaded from the container.

Abstract: A fork lift truck loading mechanism mounted on a chassis of a movable truck for loading a self-propelled fork lift truck by connection to the forks of the fork lift truck so as to hold the fork lift truck and turning of the forks together with the fork lift truck onto a bed of the truck. The fork lift truck loading mechanism comprises a holding arrangement which is supported by the chassis of the truck so as to be movable therewith and turned from substantially a horizontal position to a substantially perpendicular or forwardly inclined position so as to hold the forks of the fork lift truck, and a rotary drive interposed between the truck and the holding arrangement for turning the holding arrangement.

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

Abstract: An improved slope plate assembly is provided for a truck box for use in transporting particulate material. The slope plate assembly includes a plurality of slope plate sections pivotally connected to the opposite side walls of the truck box so as to be movable between a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position. In the lowered position, particulate material flows by gravity along the slope plate sections for discharge into an auger assembly residing below the floor of the truck box. In the raised position, bulk material or other cargo can be loaded into the truck box. A multiple-piece dividing wall can also be installed in the truck box to divide the box into multiple compartments, with the slope plates being in the lowered position in the forward compartment and in the raised position in the rearward compartment, such that particulate material may be transported in the forward compartment and bulk material transported in the rearward compartment.

Abstract: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit.

Abstract: Unloading Apparatus for Use with a Cargo Container. The cargo container defines an interior cargo space and has a floor, left and right side walls, a front wall between the left and right side walls at the end of the floor and an opening at another end of the floor opposite the front wall. A liner is placed over the floor and extends from at least the front wall to the back opening. The unloading apparatus attaches to the cargo container at the back opening and has a frame with twist locks on it to connect into openings in the back of the container. The frame also has an mandrel rotatably supported by it and laterally extending from the left side to the right side of the frame. The mandrel includes a device for attaching the edge of the liner adjacent the back opening of the container to the mandrel. A drive device is mounted on the frame which engages the mandrel and rotates it so that the liner winds onto the mandrel as it rotates.

Abstract: Freight handling apparatus for unloading stacks of beverage containers supported on pallets within bay wells of a beverage delivery truck having floors tilted inwardly and downwardly toward the center of the truck includes a wheeled frame having an upstanding mast on which a vertically movable carriage is supported mounting a pair of forwardly projecting lifting forks engageable with the pallet load. A hydraulic lifting jack is operable for raising and lowering the forks. A hydraulic tilting jack acts between a set of rear wheels and the back of the frame for selectively elevating the back of the frame relative to the front so as to angle the fork tines downwardly from horizontal to correspond in inclination to that of the floor of the bay wells. The downward angling of the fork tines enables them to be inserted into the correspondingly angled pallet load, and the forks thereafter elevated to lift the pallet load for subsequent removal from the bay well.

Abstract: A container 1 has a support member 3 which ascends and descends freely and is provided at back of a container body 2, a top connecting member 11 which is fixed at front of the container body 2 and can couple and decouple with a carrier 45, a bottom connecting member 16 which is provided at the front of the container body 2 so as to be able to move and which couples and decouples with the carrier 45, and transmitting members 21, 40 which transmit the movement of the bottom connecting member 16 to the support member 3 and raise and lower the support member 3.

Abstract: A self-propelled lift truck comprising a forward carriage assembly which includes a pair of spaced apart ground engageable wheels and a vertical mast on which is mounted a forwardly projecting fork assembly for lifting and lowering of loads thereon by relative upward and downward movement and a rearward carriage assembly which includes at least one ground engageable wheel and on which is supported a power source for operating components of the lift truck. The forward and rearward carriage assemblies are connected by first and second transversely spaced apart support members, the forward ends of which are pivotally attached to the forward carriage assembly and the rearward ends of which are pivotally attached to the rearward carriage assembly. A power device is connected to at least one of the support members and is activatable to effect relative angular displacement of the elongated support members with the forward carriage assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing fiber bales in readiness for removing fiber tufts therefrom by a travelling bale opener having an operational range, includes a first arrangement for supporting thereon a plurality of consecutively positioned fiber bales forming a standby bale series having a leading end and a trailing end; and a second arrangement for supporting thereon a plurality of consecutively positioned fiber bales forming an operational bale series to be worked on by the bale opener. The trailing end of the standby bale series is at a greater distance from the second arrangement than the leading end. The second arrangement receives fiber bales from the first arrangement for replenishing the fiber bales of the operational bale series with fiber bales of the standby bale series.

Abstract: A retriever and a cart that are detachably secured to one another are used for retrieving and transporting, respectively, heavy containers of the type found in trash compactors. A pair of biased looking bolts hold the retriever and container together when they are in repose. The locking bolts are retracted by squeezing a latch release handle positioned just below the retriever handle so that the cart and retriever can be easily separated from one another. The cart has curved leading surfaces so that the two parts can be reattached by simply pushing them together; the curved surfaces drive the locking bolts into their respective retracted positions so that the latch release handle need not be activated during the reattachment procedure.

Abstract: A flexible bulkhead (36) is provided that includes a plurality of horizontal poles (38) disposed in channels (54) and (56) on opposite sides of a container (10). Webbing straps (50) and (52) are operable to space the poles (38) a predetermined distance apart when installed between hooks on either side of the container opening and at the upper and lower corners therein. When pulled taut, the webbing straps (50) and (52) maintain the material of the flexible bulkhead (36) in a taut configuration. Flaps (66) and (68) extend from the peripheral edges on the sides of the flexible bulkhead (36) and inward to the container (10). A liner (16) is then disposed in the container (10) and inflated with a vacuum system through a manifold (42) and a blower (22). The flaps (66) and (68) prevent deformation of the flexible material of the bulkhead (36) to minimize air from flowing under and around the flexible bulkhead (36).

Abstract: Three-wheeled motorcycle dolly adapted for use in conjunction with roll-back tow truck has wide wheel base and low elevation decking. Rigid eyes are provided along frame for strapping motorcycle in upright position to dolly. Convex wheel stop rigidly attached to front of dolly provides permanent chocking for forward wheel of motorcycle. On-loading and off-loading of motorcycle are accomplished by single person with aid of detachable ramp, and inclined push rails on sides of dolly.

Abstract: The chassis of a forklift truck includes a front assembly and a rear assembly movable toward and away from each other between an extended stable normal working condition and a contracted compact condition for storage or transport of the forklift truck. The front assembly includes driven front wheels, standard upright mast and double-acting lift jack for the fork carriage movable along the mast. The rear assembly includes the operator compartment, rear axle assembly for the rear wheels and mechanism mounting the rear axle assembly for vertical movement relative to the operator compartment between a raised normal working position and a downward-projected position. The rear assembly also includes a landing wheel mounted in front of the rear axle assembly at a location above the rear wheels when the rear axle assembly is raised.

Abstract: A vehicle for the removal of sludge from the interior bottom of liquid storage tanks is disclosed. The vehicle includes a gathering header at the lead edge of the vehicle and a gathering arm extendable out over the header. The gathering arm reaches out and gathers sludge between the header and arm urging the sludge toward the header of the vehicle and the vehicle towards the sludge. The gathering header includes a floor mounted brass scraper and a cross feeding auger. The cross feeding auger in combination with the header body receives the material forced into the header by the gathering arm and directs it to a central portion of the header. Underlying the central portion of the header there is positioned a super charging auger series feeding a positive displacement pump.

Abstract: A fork lift truck takes less storage space when its support wheels are raised from operative position to storage position parallel with the mast of the truck. To further minimize the space taken up by the stored truck, the rotation of the wheels upward to inoperative position uses a camming surface which also telescopingly cams the wheel and support arms inward toward the mast.

Abstract: A removable hoist system for a doorway of a van which comprises, when in position, a post vertically mounted in the doorway and an arm having one end secured to the post. The arm during operation extends horizontally from the post and a lift mechanism is secured to the other end of the arm, for lifting or lower objects with respect to the van. A lower plate is secured to the floor of the van where the post is mounted and an aperture centrally positioned in the plate, and an upper plate is secured to a frame portion of the van in the upper part of the doorway, vertically above the lower plate with an aperture centrally positioned in this upper plate. Pins removably received in the aperture of the plates to hold the post in vertical position during operation outwardly extend from the ends of the post.

Abstract: A system for separating particulate matter from an airstream during pneumatic loading of a tank is disclosed. The system includes a compact filter unit that can be housed within the periphery of a standard manhole in the tank of a pneumatic truck trailer. The system further includes a canister to protect the filter, and a means of storing extra filter units within the interior of the tank.

Abstract: A liner installation device includes a liner (16) for being disposed in a container (10). A manifold (24) is operable to be disposed at the peripheral opening of the container (10) and be connected to a vacuum source (22) through a hose (26). After the liner (16) is disposed in the container (10), the peripheral edges thereof are held against the peripheral edges of the container (10). A vacuum is pulled on the space between the interior surfaces of the container (10) and the exterior surfaces of the liner (16).

Abstract: A crane or lifting device includes a base assembly with a telescopic and rotatable column mounting a boom assembly including a telescopic boom arm. A strap is connected at one end thereof to the base assembly, extends through the boom arm, and is connected at another end thereof to a hook for engaging a load. An extensible/retractable jack assembly innerconnects the column and the boom arm for raising and lowering the boom arm. The crane can be mounted in an automobile trunk for raising and lowering the boom assembly.

Abstract: A liner installation device includes a liner (16) for being disposed in a container (10). A manifold (24) is operable to be disposed at the peripheral opening of the container (10) and be connected to a vacuum source (22) through a hose (26). A retaining member (34) comprised of a retaining bracket (36) and a securing bar (38) operable to be disposed in the container (10). The retaining bracket (36) is disposed along the upper corners of the container (10). The liner (16) is then laid into the bottom of the container (10). After the liner (16) is disposed in the container (10), the peripheral edges thereof are held against the peripheral edges of the container (10). A vacuum is pulled on the spacer between the interior surfaces of the container (10) and the exterior surfaces of the liner (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting onto a lifting machine for gripping and lifting a highway barrier and the like, said apparatus comprising a body adapted to be mounted on to the lifting machine. A pair of clamping arms is pivotally and slidingly engaging the body and having mechanical advantage means pivotally engaging and extending between the body and clamping arms for releasably applying a gripping force to the barrier and to lift same. Locking means engaging the clamping arms is provided for successively locking the clamping arms in an open position to receive the barrier, unlocking the clamping arms in an operative position to apply the gripping force and thereafter locking the clamping arms in the open position for reuse upon release of the barrier.

Abstract: A loading and unloading system for trucks and trailer has a conveyor belt extending along a bed of a truck or trailer between front and rear wind-up rolls. For loading the vehicle the conveyor belt is wound onto the front roll and for unloading the vehicle it is wound onto the back roll. In order to prevent the belt from being pulled off the respective rolls a control system is provided which has a follower engaging the outer surface of the belt wound on one of the rolls. When the roll attains a predetermined maximum or minimum diameter depending on the amount of belt wound thereon, the follower operates a hydraulic valve to terminate the drive for the belt. The control operates in one direction responsive to a maximum predetermined diameter and in the other direction responsive to a minimum predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A method for disposing a waterproof liner in a container includes disposing a bag within the container and attaching the peripheral edges at the opening of the bag to the peripheral edges of the container opening. A negative pressure is then formed in the space between the bag and the inner walls of the container to cause the sides of the liner to move toward the sides of the container and adhere thereto.

Abstract: Fork lift truck comprising a chassis, a front and a rear axle supported by the chassis and having wheels at their outer ends, a portal which is pivotally connected to the front of the chassis, a fork, on which a load can be placed, being movable along said portal, an engine which is provided on the chassis for driving wheels of the fork lift truck, said truck being intended for being transported under the loading floor of a vehicle intended for goods carriage. A counterweight is provided outside the wheelbase at the end of the chassis located opposite the portal, whilst the portal is pivotally connected to the chassis in such a manner that the portal can be folded down over the engine and the counterweight against the upper side of the chassis.

Abstract: A trailer having a storage compartment for a lift truck or other device that can be utilized to load material onto the trailer or unload material from the trailer. A loading and unloading ramp for the lift truck is attached to the trailer for pivotal movement from an outwardly and downwardly inclined position where the free end rests on the ground surface to a generally vertically disposed stored or over-the-road position. A winch mechanism is mounted on the trailer and includes a lift cable connected with the outer end of the ramp for raising and lowering the ramp. The lift truck compartment is a recess adjacent the forward end of the trailer which extends transversely of the load carrying surface and includes a supporting surface offset downwardly from the load carrying surface of the trailer.

Abstract: An improved forklift device for unloading palletized articles from the bed of a flatbed truck may be removably carried in "piggyback" fashion on the rear end of the truck. The device has a fork structure adapted to liftingly engage one of the pallets, a wheeled, ground-supportable frame, and an articulated linkage structure which interconnects the frame and the fork structure and is movable between a fully lowered and rearwardly retracted position and a fully raised and forwardly extended position. The forklife may be propelled along the ground by an engine-driven hydraulic drive system, and is also provided with a hydraulic actuating system for pivoting gantry and boom portions of the linkage, and pivoting the fork structure relative to the linkage. In unloading the articles the fork structure may be moved a substantial distance laterally across the truck bed to liftingly engage the pallet of an article on the far side of the bed.

Abstract: A safety brake is provided for a cement truck chute to immobilize the chute from lateral movement relative to the cement truck chassis. Movement of the cement truck chute is controlled by a ram which is secured to a vertically oriented ram pivot axle rotatably mounted in a sleeve secured to the truck chassis. A first horizontal brake pad is located concentrically about the ram pivot axle and is immobilized relative to the chassis. The safety brake includes a pneumatic actuator having a housing and a plunger actuable for reciprocal movement relative to the housing. A flat, horizontal ram coupling plate is rigidly secured to the ram pivot axle and holds the pneumatic actuator housing at a spaced elevation thereabove with the pneumatic actuator plunger coaxially aligned with the ram pivot axle. A horizontal intermediate plate is located between the ram coupling plate and the pneumatic actuator housing and is secured to the pneumatic actuator plunger.

Abstract: A high volume covered railway hopper car is disclosed which has vertical end walls so as to fully utilize the space over the trucks of the car for lading volume. An automatic pneumatic unloading system is provided so as to unload a pulverant lading from the end compartments or hoppers, as well as the center, of the car, thus eliminating the necessity of sloped end sheets. A pneumatic loading system is provided which permits loading from below and thus permits the elimination of hatches, walkways, and the like on the roof of the car so as to permit the roof to extend substantially the full extent of AAR height clearances thereby to further maximize the lading volume of the car.

Abstract: A motorized floor truck is operable to place a load on an elevated surface and to elevate itself to that elevated surface. The truck includes a lifting assembly and a supporting assembly. The lifting assembly has a load engaging device which is vertically movable. The supporting assembly has a device engageable with the load engaging device in a vertical position. With the engaging device engaged, lowering of the load engaging device raises the lifting assembly to the elevated surface. With the lifting device on the elevated surface, raising the load engaging device lifts the supporting assembly to the elevated surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting roll-off containers is disclosed wherein a special trailer is fabricated with longitudinally extending main rails and a plurality of inside rollers and outside rollers rotatively affixed to the main rails. A plurality of six roll-off containers are stacked to form two similar nests of three containers each, with the lowermost container of each nest oriented in horizontal alignment. The two nests of containers are placed upon the trailer in longitudinal juxtaposition in a location wherein the bottom rails of the lowermost containers rest upon either the inside or outside rollers. During unloading, the trailer is backed and suddenly stopped in stages to employ inertial forces to move the nests of containers relative to the trailer.

Abstract: The device comprises two shells equipped with casters allowing it to move. The shells can pivot on vertical hinges as a result of the movement of a grip sliding along a handle connected to the hinges. The grip is connected to the shells by arms attached through omnidirectional joints to the grip and to each arm. Movement of the grip in one direction causes the shells to open, and movement in the other direction causes them to close to form a box. The device can be used to collect tennis balls without excessive fatigue.

Abstract: A system in which a self-propelled fork lift truck that is collapsible to a compact structure for storage is made transportable on a highway freight handling truck, by lifting itself into an enclosed bay of the highway truck, or onto a platform attached to the highway truck, or onto a trailer pulled by the highway truck.

Abstract: In a stacker crane having a trolley comprising a turntable rotatable about a vertical axis, a mast projecting down from the turntable for rotation and horizontal motion with it, and a load supporting device vertically positionable along the mast, the mast comprises two mast elements spaced to opposite sides of said axis, and said device comprises an inverted U-shaped carriage member having its legs engaged along the inner sides of the mast elements and a shuttle member comprising load supporting tongues projecting forward from a frame. Rollers on the shuttle member frame engage fore-and-aft extending tracks on the legs of the carriage member to confine the shuttle member to horizontal motion relative to the carriage member between an extended position wherein said frame is spaced forward from said axis and a retracted position wherein said axis extends through the shuttle member.