Abstract: A loading system laterally loads and unloads an upper body structure onto a vehicle platform of a motor vehicle. The system includes two loading arms pivotably mounted on lengthwise ends of the vehicle platform. The loading arms jointly swivel between upward and lateral orientations with respect to the vehicle platform and jointly extend and retract. Each loading arm has an engaging portion at a distal end of the respective loading arm to engage a corresponding support portion at a respective lengthwise end of the upper body structure. The loading arms engage and release the upper body structure by swiveling into the lateral orientation and extending and retracting within the lateral orientation. The loading arms mount the engaged upper body structure on top of the vehicle platform by swiveling with the engaged upper body structure into the upward orientation and retracting with the engaged upper body structure within the upward orientation.

Abstract: A portable cooking oil distribution device for filling remote fryers with fresh cooking oil. In other embodiments the device can also collect used cooking oil from the fryer. In one embodiment, a portable device includes a fresh oil tank, a three-way valve connected by piping to the fresh oil tank, a pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and a nozzle connected by piping to the pump, the nozzle having an outlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle. The device may also include a used oil tank, a second three-way valve connected by piping to the used oil tank, a second pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and piping connecting the second pump to the nozzle, where the nozzle includes a inlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle.

Abstract: A feeding system for measuring, monitoring and managing feed intake to determine feed efficiency of individual animals of a dairy herd. The feeding system includes at least one feed trough that contains feed to be consumed by the individual animals of the dairy herd. At least one load cell is coupled to the at least one feed trough for detecting a weight of the feed contained within the at least one feed trough. Lifting assemblies support the at least one load cell. The lifting assemblies can be actuated to move the at least one load cell and the at least one feed trough between a set feeding position, in which the individual animals consume the amount of feed contained within the feed trough, and a pivoted discharge position in which the amount of feed is discharged from the feed trough.

Abstract: The disclosed devices, systems and methods relate to a split-tilt deck trailer. A tilting deck and stationary deck are disposed in parallel on the trailer to provide a tilting deck for the loading of various equipment and providing an elongate stationary platform simultaneously.

Abstract: A portable cooking oil distribution device for filling remote fryers with fresh cooking oil. In other embodiments the device can also collect used cooking oil from the fryer. In one embodiment, a portable device includes a fresh oil tank, a three-way valve connected by piping to the fresh oil tank, a pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and a nozzle connected by piping to the pump, the nozzle having an outlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle. The device may also include a used oil tank, a second three-way valve connected by piping to the used oil tank, a second pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and piping connecting the second pump to the nozzle, where the nozzle includes a inlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for using a mobile anchor cart assembly can include repositioning the mobile anchor cart assembly from an anchored position to a mobile position on a ground surface, mobile anchor cart assembly including a cart, the cart including a frame resting upon the ground surface in the anchored position, the frame clearing the ground surface in the mobile position; and an axle assembly mounted to the frame, the axle assembly clearing the ground surface in the anchored position, the axle assembly contacting the ground surface in the mobile position; and a load defining a load center of gravity, the load center of gravity being vertically aligned over at least a portion of the axle assembly in the anchored position; and rolling the mobile anchor cart assembly along the ground surface with the axle assembly.

Abstract: A personal shopping cart includes a supporting frame hingedly connected to a base frame; a plurality of wheels; a detachable support assembly including opposing first and second horizontal support members; opposing first and second side members each being sized and configured for selective attachment to and detachment from a corresponding one of the opposing first and second horizontal support members; a support surface secured between the opposing first and second side members; and wherein the side members and the support surface collectively form a receptacle that is sized for receipt of a shopping basket; wherein the receptacle is detached from the opposing first and second horizontal support members; and wherein the base frame and the opposing first and second horizontal support members are structured and disposed to be folded against the supporting frame when the personal shopping cart is stored.

Abstract: A directional vehicle recovery unit configured for recovery of a distressed vehicle spaced apart from a recovery vehicle is provided. The directional vehicle recovery unit includes a support framework attached to the recovery vehicle and a swing arm assembly attached to the support framework. The swing arm assembly is configured to support a winch cable. The swing arm assembly is rotatable such that with a winch cable attached to the distressed vehicle, a longitudinal axis of the swing arm assembly is substantially parallel with an axis formed by the winch cable.

Abstract: A cart including a body that has a frame and a caster, and the frame including first and second bars. The cart further includes a basket, first and second couplers attached to the basket such that the first and second couplers removably couple in a snug fit with either the first and second bars respectively, or the second and first bars respectively. The cart further includes first and second latches attached to the basket such that the first and second latches are constructed to reversibly secure the first and second couplers respectively to either the first bar and the second bar, or the second bar and the first bar, and a latch-connecting means having a first end attached to the first latch and a second end attached to the second latch such that the latch-connecting means permits the second latch to be controlled by the first latch.

Abstract: A waste processing machine for reducing material and having a docking safety system. A cutting assembly on a frame reduces material. A feed system on the frame directs material toward the cutting assembly. A winch assembly includes a line with a line end for securing material, and a driver on the frame to urge the line end toward the driver. A keeper fixed to the frame secures the line end to the frame. A docking subassembly, spaced from the keeper, is movable between: a docked position with the line tensioned against the subassembly between the driver and the line end secured to the keeper; and an undocked position with the line loosened against the subassembly. A control unit allows operation of the feed system when the subassembly is in the docked position, and at least partially limits operation of the feed system when the subassembly is in the undocked position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for collecting, storing, separating, and disposing of waste material from an oil and gas well site in order to enhance payload efficiency. An embodiment of a method, for example, may include introducing a waste material into an enhanced-payload mobile vessel positioned at the oil and gas well site, the waste material selected to include one or more of a sludge waste material, a solids-laden wastewater material, and a dry waste material. The method may further include transporting the waste material when positioned in the enhanced-payload mobile vessel along roadways to an off-site waste management facility. Additionally, the method may include dumping the waste material from the enhanced-payload mobile vessel by a site-based lifting mechanism into a receiving vessel at the off-site waste management facility thereby to dispose of the waste material at a reduced transportation cost.

Abstract: A cart including a body that has a frame and a caster, and the frame including first and second bars. The cart further includes a basket, first and second couplers attached to the basket such that the first and second couplers removably couple in a snug fit with either the first and second bars respectively, or the second and first bars respectively. The cart further includes first and second latches attached to the basket such that the first and second latches are constructed to reversibly secure the first and second couplers respectively to either the first bar and the second bar, or the second bar and the first bar, and a latch-connecting means having a first end attached to the first latch and a second end attached to the second latch such that the latch-connecting means permits the second latch to be controlled by the first latch.

Abstract: The Rolling Lever Dumbbell Handcart is a machine that is organized with a curved front structure that creates a varying effective fulcrum for lifting dumbbells. This machine solves the repeated strain problem associated with having to lift a dumbbell up to a necessary height. The operation of this machine works by having the operator lean the entire handcart forward so that the front curved portion rolls forward upon the flooring. The Dumbbell is then secured and the same rolling motion is performed in the reverse direction. Once the Handcart is lifted to its upright position it can then be rolled to another location where it can then be leaned forward again to place the Dumbbell in a new location.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a crop harvester header, such as a forage harvester header, after it has been separated from a transport vehicle such as a self-propelled crop harvester. The trailer includes an elongated frame having forward and rearward ends. A first wheel assembly is mounted at the forward end of the frame and a rear wheel assembly is mounted at the rearward end of the frame. The forward end of the elongated frame is hingedly secured to the front wheel assembly so as to be selectively movable between an upper transport position to a lower loading position. The rearward end of the elongated frame is hingedly secured to the rear wheel assembly so as to be selectively movable between an upper transport position to a lower loading position.

Abstract: Various examples of transferring a watercraft between land and water are disclosed. When a vehicle receives a transfer signal, the vehicle locates a launch ramp, and the vehicle moves to the launch ramp. A trailer attached to the vehicle moved into the water using the launch ramp, such that a watercraft can be transferred between land and water via the trailer.

Abstract: Bale handling apparatus and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, a bale handling apparatus includes a primary chassis frame, wheels coupled with the primary chassis frame, a grapple system supported by the primary chassis frame, wherein the grapple system includes a plurality of grapples which move between open and closed positions, a hoist assembly supported by the primary chassis frame, wherein the hoist assembly comprises a load bed, and a lift device configured to move the load bed between a first position and a second position, wherein the grapples are configured to move from the open position to the closed position to engage a bale of a vertically arranged stack which is adjacent to the load bed positioned in the second position, and wherein the lift device moves the load bed from the second position to the first position with the grapples engaged with the bale.

Abstract: A container handling system is adapted to move, deploy, and retrieve containers used to manage waste or other materials. The container handling system includes a vehicle and a hoist unit coupled to the vehicle to move therewith and relative to the vehicle. The hoist unit includes a hoist frame and a hoist-frame mover coupled to both the vehicle and the hoist frame to cause the hoist frame to move between a transport position in which the hoist frame is generally horizontal and a use position in which the hoist frame is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal to facilitate deployment and retrieval of containers.

Abstract: A portable cooking oil distribution device for filling remote fryers with fresh cooking oil. In other embodiments the device can also collect used cooking oil from the fryer. In one embodiment, a portable device includes a fresh oil tank, a three-way valve connected by piping to the fresh oil tank, a pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and a nozzle connected by piping to the pump, the nozzle having an outlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle. The device may also include a used oil tank, a second three-way valve connected by piping to the used oil tank, a second pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and piping connecting the second pump to the nozzle, where the nozzle includes a inlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle.

Abstract: A hay retrieving apparatus for use with a vehicle is disclosed herein. The hay retrieving apparatus may include a base frame, a rear wall frame coupled to the base frame, carriage assembly, and a fork assembly coupled to carriage assembly. The base frame and carriage assembly are configured to pivotally couple to a vehicle frame and move from horizontal positions to vertical positions. The carriage assembly is also configured to pivot with the base frame, pivot independent of the base frame, or both. The fork assembly is designed to move from one end of the carriage end to the opposing end of the carriage assembly during operation. The fork assembly includes two arms that are movable to increase and decrease the distance between the two arms.

Abstract: A shallow-draft dolly for moving a pre-fabricated storm shelter or other load throw threshold with minimal clearance. In one embodiment, the dolly has two side rail units, each with a lower and an upper bar; four wheel arms with attached wheels extending from the ends of the side rails, at least two of which are pivotally attached; front and rear cross members disposed between the ends of the side rail units; and two or more intermediate cross members transversing between the lower bars, thereby providing a slatted load bed positioned at or below the axles of the wheels, and wherein the front cross member is removable such that a load may be moved over an open pit with the wheels astride the pit, the load lifted from the bed, the front cross member removed, and the dolly rolled from underneath the load thereby leaving the load suspended over the pit.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the storage of equipment such as ladders in the upper area, but particularly in the upper area on the outside of emergency vehicles such as trucks which includes a capability of moving the ladder to an extended lower deployed position to facilitate immediate access thereto by emergency workers such as firemen. An outer bracket is connected to an inner housing through a parallel linkage with the inner housing attached to the vehicle and the outer bracket attachable to the equipment. The outer bracket includes a downwardly extendable sliding carriage to facilitate positioning of the equipment at a lower level for aiding in retrieval thereof utilizing a flexible control arm.

Abstract: A battery changing system includes a grasping assembly and an actuation assembly. The grasping assembly is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to engage a battery box having one or more batteries disposed therein. The actuation assembly is configured to move the grasping assembly away from the vehicle toward the battery box. The actuation assembly also is configured to move the grasping assembly into engagement with a securing assembly of the battery box. The actuation assembly is configured to move the grasping assembly back toward the vehicle while the grasping assembly engages the securing assembly of the battery box to lift the battery box onto the vehicle.

Abstract: A robotic arm module includes a chassis having at least one arm pod. At least one arm connected to the chassis is movable between a stowed position within the at least one arm pod and a deployed position extending from the at least one arm pod. Each arm has a gripping mechanism for gripping articles of work. An attachment structure is configured to allow a host robot to grip and manipulate the robotic arm module. An electrical interface is configured to receive electronic signals in response to a user moving remote manipulators. The electronic signals cause the at least one arm to mimic the movement of the user moving the remote manipulators.

Abstract: A transportable container apparatus includes an elongated container with an outlet port, and a trailer releasably attachable to the container at first and second trailer attachment locations corresponding to first and second orientations of the outlet port with respect to the trailer. An actuator mounted to the trailer is operative, when the trailer is attached to the container, to selectively move the container between a transport position where the container is supported on the trailer in a substantially horizontal orientation, and a working position where the container is supported on the ground in a substantially vertical orientation. The trailer can be attached to an appropriate location to position the outlet port in a desired orientation at a work site. Ballast weight can be added to the lower portion of the container to increase stability, and the ballasted tank with a maximum allowable weight can be transported to a work site.

Abstract: A container handling system is adapted to move, deploy, and retrieve containers used to manage waste or other materials. The container handling system includes a vehicle and a hoist unit coupled to the vehicle to move therewith and relative to the vehicle. The hoist unit includes a hoist frame and a hoist-frame mover coupled to both the vehicle and the hoist frame to cause the hoist frame to move between a transport position in which the hoist frame is generally horizontal and a use position in which the hoist frame is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal to facilitate deployment and retrieval of containers.

Abstract: An self-powered apparatus for moving objects that can be rolled or dragged across a surface, one embodiment of the apparatus operating on either of front or rear endless track pairs the apparatus center of gravity being forwardly and rearwardly shiftable to select between use of the front or rear endless tracks for movement of the vehicle across a surface.

Abstract: A game loader for a vehicle with a wench and a wench cable comprising: a chassis attachment configured to be attachable to a vehicle chassis; a first support member pivotally-connected to the chassis attachment and configured to be selectively movable between an upward position and a lowered position; a game deck rigidly attached to the support member and configured so that the game deck is substantially parallel to the ground when the support member is in the upward position; and a first pulley configured to engage a wench cable, wherein the first pulley is configured so that activating the wench tends to raise the support member from the lowered position to the upward position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for converting an OEM ladder frame chassis. Various embodiments include modifying the front and rear suspensions to allow increased lowering of the payload section and cab sections, and further to incorporate a payload section having a lowered floor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for converting an OEM ladder frame chassis. Various embodiments include modifying the front and rear suspensions to allow increased lowering of the payload section and cab sections, and further to incorporate a payload section having a lowered floor.

Abstract: A refuse truck has a container for receiving refuse, and a packer panel for compacting refuse. The forces for compacting refuse are provided by hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders extend through and are coupled to the packer panel. The hydraulic cylinders are telescopic or rod cylinders that have an open length several times their closed length. The hydraulic cylinders provide bi-directional forces so that the packer panel can be pushed away from or pulled towards the front wall of the container.

Abstract: A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels, and below the top of the chassis frame. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height substantially lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle, an increase in payload height, and enhanced dynamic road stability.

Abstract: A storage bin for bulk landscaping material includes a bin body having a bottom wall, a pair of parallel spaced side walls, and a rear end wall closing the rear end of the bin body, thereby to define a chamber that is open at its front end. A rectangular ramp wall is hingedly connected with the bottom wall at the front end of the bin body for displacement between a vertical position partially closing the chamber front end, and a downwardly inclined ramp position in engagement with the ground, whereby an unloading vehicle may be driven up the ramp to engage the bulk material. At least one first horizontal connecting bar is mounted at the forward end of the storage bin, whereby the bin may be transported to a site by a tilt flat bed transporting vehicle, and deposited in a controlled manner rear-end-first from the flat bed.

Abstract: A loading ramp for a vehicle having a storage area is disclosed, wherein the loading ramp may also serve as a substantially weather tight door for the storage area. The loading ramp comprises a frame structure attached to the vehicle by angled extension members that allow the bottom of the frame to extend below the floor of the storage area. The loading ramp is pivotally attached to the frame. A dovetail structure is built onto the angled extension members, the dovetail being angled to match the angle of the ramp. A hydraulic cylinder and automatic control system is also provided to assist in raising and lowering the ramp.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for moving a cargo-carrying apparatus on a vehicle from a first position to a second position. The vehicle has a longitudinal center line and includes a hook arm having a pivot end and a hook end, with the hook end coupled to the cargo carrying apparatus. The arrangement comprises a plurality of rollers mounted on one of the vehicle and the cargo-carrying apparatus. A pivot joint is positioned in the hook arm between the pivot end and the hook end. The hook end maintains engagement with the cargo-carrying apparatus on the vehicle in both the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A method of performing landscaping or construction work which utilizes portions of a known lift, crane or hoist unit in a novel way. Angled knuckle portions of the lift are modified to include reinforced eyelets or equivalent structures. A platform is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck bed and also includes reinforced eyelet structures. Cables are provided between the lift eyelets and the platform eyelets to enable raising and lowering of the platform to conduct loading and unloading operations. A dump box for transporting soil or other products may be utilized in the system and is mounted between upper drive elements of the lift, crane or hoist.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a movable debris apparatus for receiving and collecting debris, including a collector for receiving and collecting debris in the collector mounted in the front of the debris apparatus. A waste bin is provided for receiving and holding debris collected by the collector mounted in the rear of the debris apparatus. Two sets of gears are provided for pivotally connecting the collector to the debris apparatus. An operating handle has a U-shape with two legs having teeth thereon for engaging the two sets of gears by moving the handle up and down to turn the gears and pivot the collector between a first position for receiving and collecting the debris and a second position for transferring the debris in the collector to the waste bin.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an exemplary article transport vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame and at least one wheel supporting the frame on a substrate. The vehicle further includes a support surface extending outwardly from the frame and a lift device secured to the support surface. The lift device is capable of axial movement at an angle relative to the support surface to selectively establish a raised position or lowered position of the support surface relative the substrate.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted lift and cable reeving system attachable to a vehicle for loading, tilting and unloading containers is disclosed. A carriage assembly adapted to connect to the container is moved forward and rearward on a tilting frame by a cable reeving system. The cable reeving system includes a force actuator (e.g., hydraulic cylinder) that presses against the middle portion of a cable assembly attached to the frame and the carriage using, for example, pulleys. The cable assembly pulls the carriage assembly a greater distance than the force actuator travels and is capable of moving the carriage from the front to the rear of the frame. Other embodiments enhance stability during loading, unloading and dumping by including a rear hinge assembly that moves the rear end of the tilting frame downward to contact the support surface as the front end of the tilting frame is raised.

Abstract: A tiltable loading ramp for loading and unloading a first vehicle onto and from a second vehicle, comprises at least two ramp sections which are abuttable or substantially abuttable to form a ramp surface, and at least one support member forming a fulcrum for the ramp surface. The in use at least one support member is provided partway between ends of the ramp surface and spaces the ramp surface away from a loading surface of the second vehicle, so that as the first vehicle passes the fulcrum, the ramp surface tilts towards the loading surface of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading large containers using both a hook lift and cable winch mechanisms.

Abstract: A motor vehicle collects paper. The motor vehicle includes a collection compartment configured to receive the paper. It also includes at least one of a bin lifting device configured to lift a bin to deposit the paper in the collection compartment and a moving floor configured to transport the paper within the collection compartment. The motor vehicle further includes at least one battery disposed within or attached to the collection compartment configured to power an actuator for at least one of the bin lifting device and the moving floor.

Abstract: The present application provides an all terrain vehicle for load hauling. The all terrain vehicle may include a cargo box and a winch assembly positioned about the cargo box.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for transporting an article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a frame (3) and an article support (4) operatively coupled to the frame (3). The article support (4) is movable relative to the frame (3) such that the apparatus (1) provides a first configuration for retaining the article (2) and a second configuration for receiving or unloading the article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a plurality of wheels (9) for movement over a substrate surface, and, a stabilising means (6) to engage the substrate surface and stabilise the frame (3) when the apparatus (1) is in the extended position. In use, the apparatus (1) may be used to support a wheel, tyre or other vehicular component (2) during installation, for example, in a confined space such as a mine.

Abstract: A dump bed scraping apparatus is disclosed. A scraper portion includes a frame on a floor of an inclinable dump bed that extends the width of the dump bed, and which supports a plurality of scraper blades movably disposed in forward and rearward directions along a floor of the dump bed so as to scrape substantially the entire floor of the dump bed clear of clumped material when the dump bed is inclined. Movement of the frame is facilitated by extensible links attached between a stationary frame supporting the dump bed and members of the scraper frame, which serve to move the scraper frame and scraper blades when the dump bed is inclined and lowered. A pivoting connector attaches one end of the extensible links to the scraper frame through a slot in the dump bed.

Abstract: Provided as a hoist system for installing a plurality of panels of a panel set onto a building structure at a jobsite. The hoist system comprises a beam assembly configured to hoist the panels and sequentially offload the panels from the beam assembly onto the building structure. The beam assembly comprises an elongate hoist beam, a lifting lug, a plurality of trolleys mounted on one of the opposing ends of hoist beam, and a drive mechanism operative to reposition the lifting lug along the hoist beam such that the hoist beams maintain a substantially horizontal or level orientation.

Abstract: A large bale transporter and an accompanying bale wrapper create a system for wrapping plastic around large bales retrieved by the transporter. The transporter has a loading apparatus that deposits large bales onto the load bed of the transporter until filled. The transporter is then manipulated to connect to a bale wrapper physically and operatively so that the bales can be moved into the wrapping apparatus. The frame of the transporter is pivotally connected to the axle to allow the rear end of the frame to be lowered to the ground to engage the bale wrapper and/or retrieve previously wrapped bales. The wrapping apparatus is powered by the drive mechanism of the transporter and is automatically disengaged when a pusher member placed at the end of the bales being discharged engages the drive coupler. An endless chain drive is drivable in opposite directions to move the bales on the transporter.

Abstract: A rack for vehicular applications is described that has a frame that is connected to a beam by a continuous hinge. In a first position the rack is approximately aligned with the ground surface and in a second position one side of the frame is in proximity to the ground. The rack includes a removable winch that that has an operational position and a stowed position under the rack. The winch is movable between the operational position and the stowed position. The height of the winch mechanism can vary relative to the plane defined by the frame.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus has a main body in a working position with a bottom end resting on the ground. The bottom end of a frame is pivotally attached to the main body above the bottom end of the main body and the frame is aligned with a side of the main body. An actuator pivots the frame downward about the pivot axis to a transport position where the frame extends substantially horizontally away from the main body. Wheels support the frame and a hitch at a top end of the frame is adapted for connection to a tow vehicle when the frame is in the transport position. When the frame is connected to a tow vehicle, the actuator can be operated to pivot the main body downward about the pivot axis to a lowered transport position where the main body rests on the frame for transport on the wheels.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a self-balancing vehicle base. A platform is supported on the base and is displaceable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. A support device engages the platform and supports at least a portion thereof during displacement between the first position and the second position. A method is also included.

Abstract: A self-propelled water craft launch and retrieve vehicle which comprises a central chassis which includes a cradle for carrying a boat and from which the boat may be launched and retrieved, forward wheels or rear wheels steerable under remote control, hydraulic motors for driving the wheels, elevated above the chassis a prime mover or electric motor and hydraulic pump(s) for powering the wheel hydraulic motors, and a hand held remote control unit operable by an operator standing beside or near the vehicle to cause the vehicle to move forward or to reverse and to steer the launch vehicle.