Abstract: The pull and lift system for transporting roofing materials includes a pull bar upon a flat bed of a truck, two rams connecting to the pull bar, controls for the rams, two pairs of mutually spaced apart legs, a table connecting between the pairs of legs, at least one ram connecting to the table, and controls for this ram. The first controls engage the pull bar against a pallet then draw it towards the table. The pull bar has an L shaped cross section with the lower portion sliding upon the flat bed and the upper portion engaging a pallet. The table has a first position coplanar with the flat bed and a second position above the flat bed and proximate a conveyor. The table elevates, while loaded with cargo, and remains level during its transition from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A device is provided to install and remove a fifth wheel hitch from a vehicle. This device includes an attachment bar connected to the kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer. The attachment bar is in communication with an extension arm. The extension arm includes a hoist with a cable to be attached to the fifth wheel hitch. Operation of the hoist will lift or lower the fifth wheel hitch to its desired position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle that is employed in retrieving, transporting and delivering portable storage units (“PSUs”). The vehicle can achieve retrieval and/or delivery within tight spaces via telescopic frame and hoist assemblies. A rearward support assembly is included for stabilizing the entire apparatus during both retrieval and delivery. The vehicle can take the form of either a trailer or an integrated vehicle. The various components of the present invention, and the associated method will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a lifting apparatus for lifting a refuse storage container onto and off the vehicle's flat bed body. The lifting apparatus employs a pulley apparatus including a plurality of pulleys and a pulley carrier that is moved reciprocally by a single fluid actuated cylinder. A pulley cable is connected to the pulleys in a predetermined manner to apply to the pulley carrier substantially equal forces so the carrier avoids twisting laterally as it moves reciprocally.

Abstract: A method for setting the parameters of electronic motor controls of hoisting equipment with a control mechanism (10) for the hoisting equipment with at least one hoisting switch (5), one lowering switch (6) and one emergency shutoff switch (4) and with a display (8) in which the following steps are preformed:(i) starting of the parameter setup mode,(ii) automatic, sequential run-through and display of all parameters,(iii) binary selection of a displayed parameter, if so desired,(iv) changing of the setting of the selected parameter, if so desired,(v) saving of the changes,(vi) termination of the parameter setup mode.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the position of a load supported on a conveyor cart includes a driven lift mechanism for controlling height and a turntable for controlling rotational orientation. The cart may, alternately or in addition to the above mechanisms, include a gimbal mechanism for rotational adjustment about multiple axes. A processor on the cart provides actuation and control of the mechanisms. An ID card reader on the cart senses ID tags for determining when the cart is adjacent particular locations. Data representing desired load position at the locations is stored either in a memory device or by the ID tag for relay to the processor on the cart via the ID tag reader. A system level controller provides a centralized storage location for desired load position data for communication to a plurality of conveyor carts through a communication link that includes radio frequency modems.

Abstract: A controlled material transport system (MTS) for carrying materials to and from workstations, test equipment, and processing and assembly tools in a common facility. The present invention includes a rigid robot vehicle mountable to a passive track system, which can be routed to service all processing tools on the factory floor. The robot vehicle includes a hoist assembly and gripper assembly, which together perform such functions as picking up magazines, placing magazines, and loading magazines into the processing tools. The hoist assembly is capable of functioning in an operational envelope, which includes any target location within a 3-axis Cartesian coordinate system, to the extent of the range of motion of the hoist assembly. The hoist assembly also provides rigid and controlled z-axis travel, while being compact when retracted. The gripper assembly facilitates loading of the magazines, especially chute style magazines, which are commonly found on many existing processing tools.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning the upper works assembly to the lower works assembly of a crane to facilitate redecking of the assemblies. The system and method involves suspending, preferably by pendants, the lower works from the upper works in such a manner that the influence of gravity will automatically level and align the lower works with the upper works. Alignment and redecking are accomplished without transferring the weight of the upper works assembly to lower works assembly.

Abstract: An improved bridge crane electric motor control system is disclosed, wherein a computer, a programmable controller, is employed to not only control the application of electrical energy to the motors of a bridge crane but also to count and store the instances of overload and of use. The controller is operated in accordance with a computer program which is disclosed and information relating to use is accessible by maintenance workers who may read out the amount of use and abuse of the crane and its motors and take corrective steps. The system provides greater security against unauthorized modification in the field by the operators and employs fewer and more reliable parts than previous such systems.

Abstract: Cargo containers are moved between a dock and a ship by a crane which has a vertically movable landing platform, a waterside trolley for moving cargo between the ship and the landing platform, and a landside trolley for moving cargo between the dock and the landing platform. The landing platform is moved to different elevations to change the extent of vertical movement performed on the cargo by each of the tolleys. In the course of operations, the landing platform is movable to an elevation which corresponds approximately to the higher of: (a) the elevation of the designated location on the ship where the article of cargo is to loaded or unloaded, or (b) the elevation of the highest obstacle between the dock and the designated location; and, both trolleys are operated while the landing platform is at this elevation.

Abstract: Hoist mechanism for a truck vehicle of the type having a pivotally movable load support frame. Opposed piston hydraulic cylinders are carried by the load support frame. Each of the hydraulic cylinders has a piston rod to which is attached a rotatable sheave. Another sheave is rotatably attched to the load support frame. A cable has one end thereof attached to the load support frame. The cable has portions in engagement with the sheaves and has a free end adapted to be attached to a load. A load is thus drawn upon the load support frame as the hydraulic cylinders are operated.

Abstract: A hoist accessory for pallet trucks including an adjustable lower bracket and base portion which rests upon the roots of the truck forks and clamps to the vertically extending riser portion thereof, a hoist, an upstanding vertical post and horizontally extending hoist support arm, and, an adjustable forward bracket and clamp for engaging a truck tongue extending forwardly of the top of the riser portion and providing rigid connection between the vertical post member and the truck tongue.