Abstract: A collapsible cargo slide assembly that protects a cargo area from damage during loading and unloading of cargo. The assembly includes a plurality of panels with each panel including a generally planar slider having a surface smoothed for sliding on the cargo area, a block of compressible material for contact with the cargo. The assembly further includes a connector that joins a panel and an adjacent panel. In embodiments, the connector is a layer of flexible material that substantially spans across at least the panel and the adjacent panel. In embodiments, each panel includes a protruding lip having one or more apertures configured to receive a securing device for fastening cargo to the panel.

Abstract: A method of unloading a modular home from a trailer includes positioning a modular home on a trailer bed. The modular home includes a first housing portion having a first vertical edge coupled to a second vertical edge of a second housing portion by a hinge, and the first and second housing portions are arranged longitudinally on the trailer. The method further includes rotating the first and second housing portions about the hinge such that the first and second housing portions overhang from the sides of the bed, forming first and second overhanging portions. The method further includes coupling at least one of (1) a first horizontal edge of the first housing portion to a second horizontal edge of the second housing portion, or (2) a third vertical edge of the first housing portion to a fourth vertical edge of the second housing portion upon completion of the rotating.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for using different truck types for deliveries. A package is initially loaded into a specially configured cargo container that can be transported either on a primary truck or a secondary truck. A secondary truck is smaller than a primary truck and is configured to transport fewer cargo containers than the primary truck. An initial leg of the overall delivery (e.g., from a warehouse to a transfer point) is performed using a primary truck. The cargo container is then transferred to a secondary truck, which completes the delivery. Empty cargo containers can be transferred back to a primary truck, e.g., in a stacked or folded manner, for transporting back to the warehouse. The configurations of primary and secondary trucks are such that these transfers can occur at any location (e.g., a parking lot) with minimal human involvement.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for non-stop high-speed rail transportation having a high-speed rail car with a movable cabin, and a high-speed rail shuttle reaching a speed equivalent to that of the high-speed rail car. The system also includes a mechanical coupling between the high-speed rail car and the high-speed rail shuttle, and a transfer platform system supporting a transfer of the movable cabin from the high-speed rail car to the high-speed rail shuttle. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of non-stop high-speed rail transportation including operating a high-speed rail car at a high-speed and a high-speed rail shuttle at the high-speed alongside the high-speed rail car. The method also includes coupling the high-speed rail car to the high-speed rail shuttle, transferring a movable cabin from the high-speed rail car to the high-speed rail shuttle, and decoupling the high-speed rail shuttle from the high-speed rail shuttle.

Abstract: A system for moving loads in an aircraft, comprising a cargo hold floor and at least one roller track comprising a plurality of rollers, defining a plane of movement for the load, arranged one behind the other in the hold floor. At least one guide track is provided in the floor extending parallel to the roller track. At least one transfer vehicle is detachably received in the guide track, movable along the guide track. At least one locking device is configured, in a locking position, to block movements of a load relative to the roller track parallel to the movement plane and perpendicular to the movement plane and, in a release position, to allow relative movements. The locking device is configured to be actuated by a transfer vehicle in the guide track to shift the locking device out of the release position into the locking position, or vice versa.

Abstract: A cargo loading system for use with a truck bed including a first frame, a second frame connected to the first frame by a first hinge, and a third frame connected to the second frame by a second hinge. Each frame includes perimeter walls and a bottom wall that define a cargo space. The first frame includes wheels extending beyond the perimeter walls on a side of the cargo space opposite to the bottom wall. In a first configuration, the frames lie in parallel in the truck bed. In a second configuration, the third frame and the second frame lie in parallel in the truck bed, and the first frame freely hangs over an edge of the truck bed. In a third configuration, the third frame lies in the truck bed, the second frame hangs freely, and the one or more wheels engage a surface below the truck bed.

Abstract: A patient support including a base; a patient support surface supported by the base; an electrically powered device; a rechargeable power storage device for powering the electrically powered device; and a receiving coil electrically coupled to the rechargeable power supply for inductive coupling with a transmitting coil. The receiving coil is for recharging the rechargeable power supply when the receiving coil is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil.

Abstract: An interchangeable platform that encompasses side beams at the sides and at least one support structure, with what the side beams are fastened to each other. Side beams are into sideways direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, at least partially open and closed from up and down and they have an upside-down G-profile. An interchangeable platform encompasses at least one longitudinal guide. The interchangeable platform can be guided by the guide to the transport device, can be locked by side beams to the transport device and load fastening equipment can be fastened to side beams. Additionally a transport device that encompasses side guides.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for an associated cargo carrier includes a rail configured for sliding movement between a first position received within a footprint of the carrier and a second position extended outwardly from the carrier footprint. A leg assembly is configured for extending movement between a first position received in the rail and a second position extending outwardly from the rail. When the rail and leg assembly are in the respective first positions, the leg assembly is stored along the carrier, and when the rail and leg are in the respective second positions, the leg assembly supports the cargo carrier. A drive arrangement selectively raises and lowers the leg assembly between the first and second positions to raise and lower the cargo carrier relative to the vehicle bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a load handling system including: a trailer capable of being hitched to a towing vehicle and/or to other trailers in order to form a conveyor train. Wheels and a shaft support a chassis equipped with a loading and unloading module for a load-bearing dolly. The loading and unloading module includes a conveyor defining a first incline for positioning the dolly, whereby the dolly is no longer in contact with the ground and is held in position on the trailer, and a second incline, the second incline having a symmetric position with respect to the first incline. The conveyor enables loading and unloading of the dolly on the first side of the trailer and on the second side of the trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading loading units with stackable articles, in particular interchangeable load carriers, such as swap bodies or similar transport devices which can be separated from carrier vehicles. In order to make it possible for the stackable articles which are to be transported in loading units to be loaded and unloaded quickly in an ergonomically favorable manner, there is provided a pallet which is fixedly assigned to the loading unit and has a fixed rear supporting wall directed away from the loading side. The rear wall stands upright transversely to the longitudinal extent of the loading unit and is intended for the stack formed on the pallet. It is possible for the latter to be moved longitudinally, at least in part, into the loading unit and out of the loading unit and to be loaded and unloaded outside the loading unit.

Abstract: A method of providing portable storage and a portable storage system including a vehicle for carrying a container. The vehicle includes a tilting bed carried by a wheeled carriage. A lift system tilts the bed from the carriage to load and unload the container by using a conveyor on the bed.

Abstract: A tiltable platform and container system employs a container on a tilted platform which when released will move rearwardly under the influence of gravity to an off-loading position. The container is loaded by a winch and cable attachable to the container to roll the container onto the trailer. The container is provided with individually vertically adjustable rear ground engaging means whose vertical adjustments are controlled by at least one pitch-sensitive switch which enables the container to remain substantially level during loading and unloading from a tilted platform.

Abstract: A system for transporting and maintaining a storage container is shown and described. The system comprises a vehicle including a frame capable of receiving a storage container. The system also includes a winch, a container-conveyor, and a lift. The storage container is sized for being removably received by the frame and includes a winch-interface, a container-conveyor-interface, and a lift-interface.

Abstract: A vehicle trailering system comprises a towing vehicle comprising a hitch mounting mechanism, and a trailer connectable thereto. The trailer comprises a body defining an interior space sized to fit at least one vehicle and having first and second sets of spaced-apart carrying members attachable to opposite sides of the body, thereby defining respective first and second loading levels. The trailer further comprises a gate movable between the first and second levels along first and second support members. First and second connecting members are respectively attachable to the gate and are operable to movably carry the gate with respect to the first and second support members. The system further comprises an actuator system connected to a synchronization system, which are operable to synchronize the movement of the first and second connecting members along the respective longitudinal lengths of the first and second support members. Associated trailering methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers and flat racks off of a truck having a hook lift system onto a trailer and from the trailer back onto the truck comprising a carriage that is moveable along a track system that runs the length of the trailer. The carriage includes a cradle that a cross member located at the lower rear edge of the container on which it fits so that the carriage supports the rear portion of the container as it travels rearwardly along the trailer. The cradle includes side positioning blocks which center the container on the trailer as it is being placed in the cradle. Also located on the carriage is a receptacle which receives wheels located at the lower rear edge of flat racks. A carriage return mechanism urges the carriage forwardly as it approaches the front of the trailer. Locks at the front and rear of the trailer secure the container to the trailer.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring a transfer body onto a truck. The impetus to move the transfer body is provided by a driver mounted to the truck. The driver may engage a track extending along the transfer body in order to move the transfer body onto the truck. The track may be mounted to a pull bar pivotably secured near one end to the transfer body. The truck may have a dump-truck body with a continuous floor. The pull bar may be pulled underneath the floor as the transfer body is transferred onto the truck whereas the transfer body is pulled onto the floor. A latching system for a transfer module is actuated by a mechanism mounted on the truck and maintains the tailgate of the transfer body closed when remote from a truck. The mechanism may also operate a latching system latching and unlatching a tailgate secured to the body of the truck.

Abstract: A vehicle including loading and unloading apparatus, which includes a loading platform that can be moved by a driving mechanism. The loading platform includes an endless belt, which is passed over support rollers, and a head partition extending substantially transversely to the flexible belt, which is connected to the belt. The belt can be moved forwards and backwards by a further driving mechanism. The further driving mechanism includes a rack extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belt, which rack is connected to a wall of the vehicle, and a pinion that meshes with the rack, which pinion can be rotated by a motor mounted on the head partition. The rack is disposed under the loading platform, whereby the pinion meshes with the rack along a side edge of the endless belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a truck box is provided for use with snowmobiles and the like. The apparatus includes a pair of mounting elements arranged to mount on the respective tailgate mounts of the truck box in place of the tailgate of the truck so that no modification to the truck bed is required upon installation. A shaft is supported on the pair of mounting elements for rotation about an axis laterally across the back end of the truck box and includes a sprocket coupled for rotation therewith. A frame arranged to support a snowmobile and the like thereon is supported on the shaft to extend transversely thereto and has a rack mounted on a bottom side thereof for engaging the sprocket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for conveying and/or transferring relatively vulnerable products, such as fruits, wherein the fruits are held in grippers while being conveyed and transferred, wherein said grippers comprise a first gripper portion and a second gripper portion, which are movable over sliding elements substantially in the direction in which the gripping force is exerted on the products.

Abstract: Cars are loaded individually onto pallets at assembly plants and remain on the pallets until they reach dealers. Most of the palleted cars are transported in specially equipped, closed rail cars from each assembly plant to a main distribution center where they are unloaded, allocated to either satellite distribution centers or to dealers, and reloaded for transport ultimately to the dealers, often via a satellite distribution center. The same pallets can be used to transport the cars in highway trailers and standard intermodal cargo containers. The cars remain on the pallets, are never driven, and are protected from weather and vandalism from the time they leave the plant until they reach the dealers' lots.

Abstract: The subject matter comprises shaped mixtures of valuable materials for the stimulation and cultivation of plant growth, said materials containing plant nutrients and/or plant-protective agents in admixture with a thermoplastic binder. According to the invention the mixtures of valuable materials, which mixtures have in particular been shaped as fertilizer rods, are characterized in that they contain, as the binder, a starch that has been thermomechanically digested at elevated pressures and temperatures.The invention further relates to the process for producing these multi-component mixtures and to the use of thermomechanically digested starch, optionally in admixture with inferior amounts of further biologically compatible binder components, as a biologically degradable binder for mixtures of valuable materials of the type described.

Abstract: A refuse handling system having a towable multipurpose trailer and a refuse container which mates with the trailer. The refuse container is designed to receive and hold trash deposited at a remote waste collection site. The trailer has a receiving platform which tilts between a travel position and an inclined loading position. The trailer has a loading subassembly for loading and unloading the refuse container. A power unit is mounted on the trailer to drive the loading subassembly. Once loaded, the trailer transports the container to a central waste disposal site. The refuse container has a refuse discharger for emptying the container. A power transfer coupling is provided between the trailer and the container. This provides one power unit on the trailer hitch functions to both load the refuse container and discharge refuse from the container.

Abstract: A fire truck having a flat bed includes a conveyor system for loading a number of interchangeable firefighting modules onto the bed. The conveyor system comprises a frame carrying a number of rollers or casters which allow the units to be easily slid on and off the bed. A pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the roller frame to engage or disengage the flat bottoms of the firefighting modules. Among the various modules disclosed are a hose module having fold-down chutes which lay the hose out alongside the truck as the truck moves ahead, and a tank module, which is coupled by quick-connect hoses to the intake and discharge lines of a pump carried in the truck bed. The intake and discharge lines of the pump may double as chassis rails for the truck. Also disclosed is a ladder carrier device which pivots downwardly and rearwardly to let the ladder slide down under its own weight after a sufficient length of the ladder has been pulled.

Abstract: A truck having a truck body is adapted to tow a trailer having a body disposed on a track. The truck body is tiltable to dump a load. A tailgate in the truck body is liftable after the load dumping. At its forward end, the trailer has a horn movable into mating holes in the truck after the dumping of the load from the truck body. A sprocket chain in a closed loop on the trailer track includes rollers which rotate on the track to move the trailer body in a direction into, and out of, the truck body. Pins in pairs of dog links extend through individual rollers to have the dog links move with the sprocket chains. Dogs on the dog links engage a hook coupled to the trailer body. The links are disposed so that the dogs on one link engages the hook to move the trailer body into the truck body and the dog on the other link engages the hook to move the trailer body out of the truck body.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing tobacco transplant seedlings from a plant bed by being connected to a tractor and pulled thereacross. An undercutter bar is provided at the front of the apparatus for undercutting a ribbon of soil which is then received by a conveyor defining an upwardly extending and a horizontally extending portion. A shaker mechanism provided beneath the conveyor serves to dislodge soil and smaller transplant seedlings from the seedlings as the seedlings are transported from the front to the rear of the automated apparatus. A boxing mechanism is provided at the rear of the automated apparatus which serves to fill containers with the transplant seedlings and then to deposit the filled containers upon the ground as the apparatus is pulled across a plant bed.

Abstract: The invention provides a plurality of tray cart containers, in which at least four tray carts are loaded into a tray cart container, and a trailer, wherein the trailers have at least one powered conveyor system, and wherein at least four of tray cart containers are loaded onto the powered conveyor system. A tractor unit is attached to the trailer and transports the trailer from a kitchen to an airport. A container loader removes the tray cart containers from the trailer and transports them to an airplane. The tray carts are removed from the tray cart containers and placed in the airplane kitchen. Other tray carts are removed from the airplane and placed in the tray cart containers. The container loader loads the tray cart containers into the trailer. The trailer is transported from the airport to the kitchen.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for replacing a working-object of a processing machine, there are provided a working-object replacing support (6), a working-object moving passage (12) and a push/pull drive means (18) for the working-objects (5a)(5b).The push/pull drive means (18) is provided with a push/pull drive device (19), a push/pull engaging member pedestal (20), a push/pull transmission member (21), a guide rail (22) and a push/pull engaging member (23).An engaging portion (59) of the engaging member (23) is adapted to be shifted to a position lower than height positions of lower surfaces of engaged portions (25)(26) of the working-objects (5a)(5b) under the changed over condition to the disengagement position (Y) and at least to face upward so as to be engaged with the engaged portions (25)(26) from below under the changed over condition to the engagement position (X).

Abstract: A load transfer device for loading or unloading an entire storage compartment, such as the interior of a freight hauling trailer, in one cycle includes a long vertically flexible load support and transfer member that is as long and as wide as the storage compartment and which has a chisel-like leading edge to slip under freight articles resting on a floor, the transfer member being empowered by a motor mounted on it at the rear end to move longitudinally in and out of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A loader includes a sleeve support which will carry in a raised position a lightweight open-centered sleeve, of the type which is capable of holding a plurality of automobiles. An automobile support, capable of carrying the automobiles which will comprise one level when loaded into the sleeve, is located below the sleeve. A lifting device moves the sleeve support and the automobile support together to insert the automobiles into the sleeve from its bottom. Latching mechanisms which attach the automobiles to the sleeve are movable between loading positions, where the automobiles can be inserted past them, and latching positions where they will engage the automobiles' tires. The loader is capable of removing the sleeves from cargo containers for loading and/or unloading and then placing them back into the containers when this procedure is completed. The apparatus also is capable of folding the sleeves to their collapsed position and of expanding them to their erected position.

Abstract: A hoist vehicle of the semi-trailer type has a slide frame on which a tipping frame is pivotably mounted. The slide frame is adjustably movable between forward and rearward positions relative to the bed of the vehicle to locate the load carried by the tipping frame at positions where the weight bearing on the axles of the vehicle is optimized so that greater payloads may be carried without exceeding government imposed maximum axle loadings. A chain is trained about sprockets and connected to the slide frame to accurately adjust the position of the slide frame and the center of gravity of the payload.

Abstract: The coupling of the present invention is comprised of a carriage which moves along a track mounted in a support frame by means of a motor driven endless chain. The chain is connected to a pivot plate, which is rotatably attached to the carriage. The chain is connected to the side of the pivot plate facing the drop box, which is to be picked up by the device, at a location below the axis which the pivot plate rotates about, and to the other side of the pivot plate above this axis. Thus when the pivot plate strikes a stop, located near the bottom of the support frame, the pivot plate is rotated such that the tip of a U-shaped bail located on its top surface is raised. As a result the frame can then be mvoed toward the drop box until the bail is above a hook located on its front end. When the chain then is moved in the opposite direction and the carriage pulled free of the stop, the pivot plate rotates back to its original position and the tip of the bail drops over the hook and engages it.

Abstract: A cargo-work vehicle for detachably supporting a container has lift arms for rotatably supporting the container and a single cooperating auxiliary arm which ensures that the attitude of the container is held constant when the container is loaded and unloaded. A dump pin is also provided for fixing the container relative to the lift arms so that the container can be rotated relative to the vehicle body for dumping of the container load. The single auxiliary arm is advantageous because it can be located centrally of the vehicle and substantially underneath the loaded container. Such placement of the auxiliary arm affords compactness, reduces costs, and allows a single auxiliary arm to maintain the desired, constant attitude of the container during loading and unloading of the container.

Abstract: The coupling of the present invention is comprised of a carriage which moves along a track mounted in a support frame by means of a motor driven endless chain. The chain is connected to a pivot plate, which is rotatably attached to the carriage. The chain is connected to the side of the pivot plate facing the drop box, which is to be picked up by the device, at a location below the axis which the pivot plate rotates about, and to the other side of the pivot plate above this axis. Thus when the pivot plate strikes a stop, located near the bottom of the support frame, the pivot plate is rotated such that the tip of a U-shaped bail located on its top surface is raised. As a result the frame can then be moved toward the drop box until the bail is above a hook located on its front end. When the chain then is moved in the opposite direction and the carriage pulled free of the stop, the pivot plate rotates back to its original position and the tip of the bail drops over the hook and engages it.

Abstract: A device for handling a container on a vehicle to permit the container to be tipped about an axis at the rear of the vehicle or to be loaded or unloaded. The device has a reciprocable frame which carries the tipping axis and is caused to reciprocate along the chassis of the vehicle by a horizontally extending hydraulic jack. The device includes hooks to secure the container in a fixed position before the vehicle is used for transporting the container.

Abstract: A trailer structure, having a mechanical loading system, to transport bins especially as used for agricultural products. The rearward portion of the trailer is lowered for bin pick up and loading, without raising the forward portion of the trailer, by a bell-crank type wheel mounting system. The trailer provides a unitary side-beam type frame and is mechanically powered by hydraulic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transferring device for dies of presses and work pallets of machine tools and the like. A die transfer car is movable on two parallel rails, one side of the car is provided flanged wheels and the other side of which is provided plain wheels. When the car is stopped by a stopper having a stopper pin provided at the plain wheel side, through a stopping control device, the car is frictionally stopped by the flanges of the wheels and the side face of rails due to rotation caused by the inertia force around the stopper pin.

Abstract: A pick-up means for roller pallets in such applications where the roller pallets (1) run on rails (2) on tracks (3). At the discharge end of the tracks there is a stop (4) preventing the discharge of roller pallets until a pick-up means (6) provided with a travelling surface (5) comes to get the roller pallets meant to be dispatched. The pick-up means of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a slide (8) movable in its longitudinal direction and provided with a transporter (7), said slide being at a pick-up operation movable in under the first roller pallet (1) on the rails (2), while at the same time it will disengage the stop (4) so that the roller pallet moves onto the travelling surface (5) of the pick-up means, being pulled by the slide (8). The pick-up operation is now accomplished with considerably greater safety and speed than with any apparatus of prior art.

Abstract: A train of railroad cars for receiving, transporting and discharging bulk material, comprising a succession of cars coupled together for movement along a track in an operating direction, each one of the cars having a frame and a last one of the cars in the operating direction constituting a loading station for the bulk material. A plurality of transport containers for the bulk material is arranged on the car frames, a continuous track extends on the frames of the succession of cars along the train in said direction laterally of the containers, and a mobile gantry crane is mounted on the track for movement therealong to the loading station. A first elongated conveyor for respective ones of the containers is mounted on the last car between the track.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus comprising a vehicle, a track supported on the vehicle, a travelling device movable on the track, a plurality of pivotally movable piston-cylinder units driven by a pressure medium interspaced along the track in the longitudinal direction, one end of each of the piston-cylinder units is supported on the vehicle and the other end of each of the units is engageable with an engagement part connected to the travelling device. Cam rails extend along the track and cooperate with portions at the other end of the piston-cylinder units to cause alternating coupling operations of the other end of the piston-cylinder units with the travelling device.

Abstract: A combination of a vehicle and a demountable body for transporting loads, the vehicle having a support which is movable between a horizontal position to support the body for transportation and an inclined position. The support carries an ended chain provided at one end with a hook for attachment to the body, and an endless chain provided with a pusher to engage the body, the chains being driven by a drive motor. The body has a guide arranged on lowering of the hook towards a lifting bar on the body, to guide the hook into engagement with the bar whereupon the hook is automatically releasably attached to the bar.

Abstract: A system for transporting baggage, or other articles, comprises a trailer having a plurality of cases secured thereon, each case for receiving two baggage containing mobile capsules, having a lift means for elevating and holding one of the capsules above the other capsule within the case, a ramp and conveyor for engaging a capsule at ground level and moving the capsule along the ramp into the case, and drive means associated with the system for the lift means and conveyor.