Successive Handling Means Patents (Class 414/501)
  • Patent number: 12139864
    Abstract: A vehicle mountable system for deploying and retrieving traffic barriers to and from a plurality of locations on a road, the system comprising: a gantry frame assembly with one or more horizontal frame members adapted to be positioned on a tray of a vehicle, a first transfer assembly movably coupled with the gantry frame for transferring one or more traffic barriers positioned on the vehicle tray between a storage location on the tray of the vehicle and an intermediate holding location on a platform assembly located below the one or more horizontal frame members of gantry frame assembly, and a second transfer assembly for transfer of the barriers between the intermediate holding location on the platform and a deployment location on the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: ARROWES IP HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventors: William Patrick Patton Rigby, Daniel Tanious, McKay Moysey Whight, Filippo Capurso, Zachary Hugo, Chun Zhang, Heng La
  • Patent number: 12090641
    Abstract: An intelligent garbage sorting robot includes a robot body and a walking base. The robot body is installed on the walking base, and a tool end of the robot body is installed with an executing mechanism. The executing mechanism includes a housing. An electromagnet is slidably disposed in the housing, the electromagnet is connected to a first driving assembly, the first driving assembly is configured to drive the electromagnet to slide, and an end of the housing is fixedly connected to multiple steel needles. Two mechanical claws symmetrically disposed on the walking base, and the two mechanical claws are spaced apart on the walking base. The two mechanical claws are respectively connected to second driving assemblies, and the second driving assemblies are configured to drive the two mechanical claws to move relatively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Guangdong Ocean University
    Inventors: Limei Shi, Peng Luo, Lei Guo, Wenjing Liu, Yanzhao Zhu, Jian Liu
  • Patent number: 12090920
    Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying warning devices for a vehicle. The vehicle can be an autonomous vehicle. A method of deploying warning devices for a vehicle includes deploying one or more warning devices from the vehicle, the one or more warning devices being coupled to a deployment vehicle. Deploying the one or more warning devices includes controlling the deployment vehicle. A system for deploying warning devices for a vehicle includes a deployment vehicle and one or more warning devices coupled to the deployment vehicle. The system includes a controller configured to deploy the one or more warning devices from the vehicle. Deploying the one or more warning devices includes the controller configured to control the deployment vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Kodiak Robotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Gagliano
  • Patent number: 11999562
    Abstract: A refuse vehicle comprises a chassis, a body assembly, a power source, a tailgate, and a refuse interaction mechanism. The body assembly is coupled to the chassis and defines a refuse compartment configured to store refuse material. The refuse interaction mechanism comprises a refuse interaction element and an electric motor. The refuse interaction element is configured to selectively apply a force onto the refuse material within the refuse compartment. The refuse interaction element is moveable between a receiving position, in which the refuse compartment is configured to receive refuse material, and a force-exerting position, in which the refuse interaction element is configured to exert the force on the refuse material stored within the refuse compartment. The electric motor is powered by the power source and configured to selectively move the refuse interaction element between the receiving position and the force-exerting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D. Rocholl, Derek A. Wente, John T. Kellander, Cody D. Clifton, Vincent Hoover, Zachary L. Klein, Clinton T. Weckwerth, Skylar A. Wachter, Andrew Kotloski, Wallace Buege, Caleb Binder, Martin J. Schimke
  • Patent number: 11980163
    Abstract: An animal feeder, moveable between a feed transport position and a feed delivery position that successively delivers animal feed contained within the animal feeder, includes a bunk and a dump trailer. The dump trailer supports the bunk at a rear thereof while remaining pivotable relative to the bunk. The dump trailer, which holds animal feed therein, includes a lowered transport position that locates the animal feeder in the feed transport position and a raised delivery position that locates the animal feeder in the feed delivery position. The dump trailer, when moved from the feed transport position to the raised delivery position, pivots relative to the bunk whereby the dump trailer at an exit thereof communicates with the bunk at an entrance thereof such that the dump trailer in the raised delivery position successively delivers animal feed held therein into the bunk for access by animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Daniel E. Moran
  • Patent number: 11919460
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a rolling chassis structure and a working component coupled to the rolling chassis structure. The rolling chassis structure includes a chassis, a non-working component, and a control interface. The non-working component is coupled to the chassis and is configured to facilitate transit operations for the rolling chassis structure. The control interface is disposed in a cab area of the chassis. The control interface is communicably coupled to the non-working component and is configured to control operation of the non-working component. The working component is configured to move relative to the chassis and is communicably coupled to the control interface. The control interface is configured to control movement of the working component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Grant Wildgrube, Joshua D. Rocholl, Cody D. Clifton, John T. Kellander
  • Patent number: 11805736
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fodder distributor formed by: a propelled carriage comprising a first shredding surface in the rear part, in the direction of travel, with first propulsion means, and a second surface in the front part, for feeding bales to the first surface; a first mechanism for shredding parallelepiped bales, with a shaft having a first end connected to rotation means and longitudinal blades projecting radially from the shaft; second propulsion means on the second surface; and respective panels for providing additional bale support, which are positioned horizontally adjacent to the second surface and have means for moving the bales to said surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: LA PARRA DEL SOBERAL, S.L.U.
    Inventors: Juan García González, Jesús García González
  • Patent number: 11001185
    Abstract: A haulage arrangement has a frame configured for operative attachment to a suitable tractor, and defining a tray for operatively receiving particulate material therein. The tray comprises two side walls separated by a loadbearing lower section with a headwall at a head end of the tray and slidably arranged in-between the side walls. Also included is an urger at the head end configured to operatively urge the headwall to slide across the lower section. Arrangement further includes an elastically flexible floor slidably arranged on the lower section and fast at a first end with the headwall, as well as a retractor arranged at an ejection end of the tray and configured to continuously retract a second end of the floor underneath the lower section whilst the headwall is urged. The retractor is further configured to agitate the floor during retraction to counteract adhesion of particulate material ejected from the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: 629 032 373 PTY LTD
    Inventor: Denis Orlov
  • Patent number: 10988069
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure generally pertain to vehicle inventory management systems. In one exemplary embodiment, a bed of rollers includes a first section located in an enclosed cargo area of a delivery vehicle and a second section located in an alcove that is accessible from outside the delivery vehicle. Various items for delivery are placed upon the bed of rollers in the enclosed cargo area. The rollers, which are coupled to servomotors, can be rotated in various directions under control of a computer. The computer activates the rollers for moving items around inside the delivery vehicle. Upon reaching a delivery destination, an item can be moved into the alcove for pickup by a person outside the delivery vehicle. The alcove is configured to allow access to the item by the person outside the delivery vehicle, but prevents access to other items located in the enclosed cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Vincent
  • Patent number: 10881081
    Abstract: An autonomous feed delivery platform configured to navigate through a facility and deliver insect feed to multiple insect habitats located within the facility. In some cases, the feed delivery platform may be configured to deliver the feed to multiple insect habitats at substantially the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: ASPIRE FOOD GROUP LTD
    Inventors: Michael Todd Hall, Gabriel Mott, Mohammed Ashour
  • Patent number: 10612332
    Abstract: A system includes an aerial drone having a dispensing mechanism and a remote control for wirelessly controlling movement of the aerial drone and the dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism includes a storage area for storing a frac ball and a device for remotely releasing the frac ball from the drone. The aerial drone is remotely controlled to position the drone over the open well bore and where the frac ball is released into the open well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: John Sage
  • Patent number: 10525648
    Abstract: A method and system for compacting waste materials in a collection container. The container can be a freestanding waste container, a self-contained compaction container, or a container on a waste collection vehicle. A hydraulically operated compactor blade is positioned in the upper portion of the container with its bottom edge a distance above the floor. A door member can be provided in the rear wall of the collection container. The compactor blade can be in its rest position relative to the top opening. The container member can be positioned or located on a trailer or truck-type vehicle and adapted to be tilted for evacuation of materials collected therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Richard T. Williams
  • Patent number: 10421243
    Abstract: A method and system for compacting waste materials in a collection container. The container can be a freestanding waste container, a self-container compaction container, or a container on a waste collection vehicle. A hydraulically operated compactor blade is positioned in the raised upper portion of the container with its bottom edge a distance above the floor. A platform with a hinged portion can be included to divide the container volume into two separate compartments in order to collect different types of waste materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Richard T. Williams
  • Patent number: 10421324
    Abstract: A hitch mounted cargo lifting device for lifting large objects onto a cargo bed of a vehicle to which it is attached includes a discrete hitch attachment, pivot member, and cradle member. One side of the pivot member is fixedly attached to the cradle member, and the other is hingedly attached to the hitch attachment. This allows the pivot member and cradle attachment to be moved between a loading position in which the cradle attachment is adjacent to a ground surface, and an unloading position in which the cradle attachment is adjacent to and aligned with the vehicle's cargo bed. In some embodiments, a motor driven reeled wire is provided to supply the force to move the pivot member and cradle attachment between the unloading and loading positions. Conventional cargo straps may be used to secure the cargo to the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph DelMaestro
  • Patent number: 10303997
    Abstract: A bale identification assembly has a binding material with identification tags at spaced intervals is used by a knotter system to bind a formed bale. A read module with an antenna transmits interrogator signals and also receives authentication replies from identification tags. The bale identification assembly has a bale drop sensor with a paddle. As a completed bale passes through the discharge chute, the completed bale interacts with the paddle causing the bale drop sensor to activate. Activation of the bale drop sensor activates the antenna for a specified active cycle, and during its active cycle, the read module assigns any identification tag that is sensed to the completed bale that is leaving the discharge chute. A controller receives information from at least one crop sensor and/or bale sensor and associates the information about the completed bale with the identification tag on the completed bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Hamilton, Emmanuel Regis Magisson, Daniel Soldan, Grant Lewis Good, Robert L. Figger, Shane A. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 10207753
    Abstract: A trailer for carrying unit load devices (ULDs), including unloaded and/or loaded containers and pallets, or other cargo; the trailer designed to be towed on surface streets and highways by conventional motorized truck-tractor units. The trailers are equipped with adjustable decks for supporting ULDs in stacked configuration on the trailer. Using a lowered well portion permits selected ULD stacks to not exceed legal trailer height limits so that additional permitting is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: AET Logistics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard G. O'Marra, Lewis Wayne Davis, David G. Roller, Rodney A. Pack
  • Patent number: 10150654
    Abstract: A system is provided for identifying an operator and managing access rights in connection with a crane. The crane includes a control system and a controller positioned at a distance from it. The control system maintains a plurality of operator-specific parameters that define operator rights. An identifier reader is placed in connection with the controller for reading the operator's identifier by using a first connection. A second connection is set up between the identifier reader and the control system to send the operator's identifier, or information derived from it, to the control system. The control system compares the operations requested through the controller with the operator-specific parameters, which define operator rights, and allows the operation of the crane only within the scope of rights associated with the operator's identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timo Vikman, Tuomas Martinkallio, Matti Kemppainen, Lasse Härkönen
  • Patent number: 10091937
    Abstract: A grasping mechanism for an agricultural bale wagon has a fixed grasping arm and a movable grasping arm. The movable grasping arm is translatable toward and away from the fixed grasping arm. The movable grasping arm can be rotated to define varying angular relationships between the fixed grasping arm and the movable grasping arm. Rotation and translation of the movable grasping arm are effected by an actuator. A resilient bumper between the fixed grasping arm and movable grasping arm is adjustable automatically to span the adjusted width between the fixed grasping arm and movable grasping arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Fay, II, Nathaniel Kip Totten
  • Patent number: 10076988
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide an automated system for laying pipe which includes various clearing functions in order to clear impingements and jams of pipe being fed to a conveyor or other structure while dispensing the pipe from the trailer. Some embodiments include uprights which are adjustable to increase the carrying capacity of piping. Other embodiments provide adjustable members which raise and lower to aid in clearing the pipe. Other embodiments provide a gate or arm which may be actuated to push or hold pipes back allowing one pipe to feed at a time. Still further, a transition cradle may be utilized to hold pipes back and actuate a single pipe. These features allow for clearing of various types of jams in the feed process so that a single pipe may be cleanly actuated to a conveyor for feeding from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: ISCO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Ellenbrand, Jeremy Becker, Michael John Montgomery, Landan Alan Cheney, Shaun Aird Cheney, Robert D. Jones, III
  • Patent number: 9296558
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable collection arm assembly for picking up refuse cans has an arm mechanism to pick up the cans. A lift mechanism raises and lowers the arm mechanism. The lift mechanism is coupled with the arm mechanism and a structure. The lift provides vertical movement to lift and lower the arm mechanism with respect to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Curotto-Can, LLC
    Inventor: Brian T. Parker
  • Patent number: 9049818
    Abstract: Cargo of rectangular switchgrass or miscanthus bales having a payload density of between 14.6 and 20.5 lb/ft3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Forest Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: David N. Lanning, James H. Dooley, Christopher J. Lanning, James L. Fridley
  • Publication number: 20140219753
    Abstract: The vehicle with wheelchair positioning mechanism includes an automotive vehicle that is modified to assist a disabled person to enter, operate and exit the vehicle. The modification includes a wheelchair lift adjacent the rear of the vehicle. An internal rail system extends from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle adjacent the vehicle's driving controls. A remotely controlled platform is rotatably mounted on a carriage for movement on the rail system. The platform is adapted to support a wheelchair thereon. The platform can be rotated 360° so that the wheelchair moves forward when entering and exiting the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: FAISAL A. O. ALASFOUR
  • Patent number: 8647041
    Abstract: To collect refuse, a portable material container gripper is mounted to lift arms of a refuse collection truck. The portable material container gripper is easily mounted to the lift arms by inserting a tube around the lift arms and locking it in place with a bar passing through an opening in the tube. The portable material container gripper includes a clamp that clamps around a horizontal bar on a refuse or material container to hold the refuse or material container in place while it is dumped into the bed of the refuse collection truck by the lift arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Tommy Lee Ummel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8545162
    Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described including a vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, a chassis, and a ground engagement device attached to the chassis for providing movement of the vehicle across ground; an engine constructed for propelling the vehicle; a loader assembly; a hydraulic system constructed for driving the loader assembly; and operator area including a cage for protecting an operator located within the operator area, and controls for controlling movement of the vehicle and for controlling operation of the loader assembly; and a forward tools area extending from the operator seating area to the front end of the vehicle. The material handling apparatus can include an entrance to the operator area through the rear end of the vehicle, a loader assembly that includes a tower that rotates relative to the chassis, and a dump box or work platform provided in the forward tools area. A method for operating a material handling apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Skid Mor Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Hackett, Garry W. Rudd
  • Publication number: 20130189057
    Abstract: A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGY LICENSING CORP.
    Inventor: TECHNOLOGY LICENSING CORP.
  • Publication number: 20130170933
    Abstract: A snow melting vehicle includes a receptacle for receiving a snow load to be melted inside the receptacle into meltwater and a debris collecting system for moving the debris fallen to the bottom of the receptacle into a collecting chamber disposed adjacent the receptacle. A debris lifting system is also provided for raising the debris from the collecting chamber to a position above the meltwater filling the collecting chamber, whereby the meltwater is substantially drained before the debris is gravity discharged outside the snow melting vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: TRECAN COMBUSTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Trecan Combustion Limited
  • Patent number: 8192130
    Abstract: Apparatus for loading and feeding hay bales including a transport vehicle having a flatbed and a tiltable support frame mounted to the flatbed for carrying a stack of bales. A hoist is used to tilt the support frame from a horizontal hay bale transport position to a vertical position against a bale stack for picking up a bale stack. Squeeze arms are used to secure the bale stack to the support frame. An endless chain on the support frame is used to selectively move the bales forwardly. A flaker is mounted at a forward end of the flatbed for receiving a bale advanced thereon and selectively flaking off portions of the bale. A tipping apparatus is provided for selectively tipping a bale advanced by the endless chain from the support frame onto the flaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Adam Clark
  • Patent number: 8033774
    Abstract: This invention in some embodiments includes a secure material handling apparatus such as a vehicle which provides rear loading of material from material containers, and in some further embodiments provides for such rear loading from curbside or ground level, or from a loading dock. In further embodiments the enclosure utilized is secure in that it may be configured to prevent unauthorized entry into any part of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: David E. Rajewski
  • Patent number: 7938612
    Abstract: A battery-changing vehicle includes a mobile carriage, a frame disposed above the mobile carriage, and a boom assembly connected to the frame. The mobile carriage defines a loading deck for receiving and transporting a battery. The boom assembly includes a lift hoist that lifts a battery to and from the loading deck. The lift hoist is capable of lateral movement between an extended disposition, at which the lift hoist is cantilevered away from the loading deck, and a withdrawn disposition, at which the lift hoist is disposed above the loading deck. The battery-changing vehicle may also include a transfer arm capable of transferring a battery to and from the loading deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Multi-Shifter, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Springston, John R. Pratt, Dale A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7844358
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for materials handling via a number of materials handling cells by passing on materials handling containers, in which each materials handling cell includes a first electric motor and a first control unit, in which each materials handling container is assigned at least one data element including at least information about the way or the destination of the materials handling container, in which the data element is passed on to the next materials handling cell and stored there in the control unit, when the materials handling container is passed on there, and where the evaluation of the data element and the control of its passing on is performed in the first control unit contained in the first electric motor, as well as to a materials handling cell and to an electric motor therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Dunkermotoren GmbH
    Inventor: Hardy Jeske
  • Patent number: 7591629
    Abstract: An apparatus for picking up, stacking and bundling lumber, that comprises: a drive means, a conveyor assembly having a receiving bin and a conveyor, a stacking assembly operatively connected to the conveyor assembly, and having an unscrambling hopper, a row conveyor, a stacking bin and a bundling assembly a discharge platform, and a grapple assembly that picks up lumber pieces from the ground and deposits them into the receiving bin, and that also picks up bundles of lumber produced by the stacking assembly, for movement to a secondary location. The apparatus can be used on a variety of different terrains, including inclines and declines and can pick up lumber from a wide radius around the apparatus and from a number of ground conditions including rocky, muddy and wet ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Murray Walter Pisony
  • Patent number: 7559733
    Abstract: A front loading refuse vehicle includes at least one positive displacement pump having an associated valve system in fluid communication with drive mechanism that operates a lifting arm, packer, a rear door of the vehicle, and a hoist for a refuse storage body. The valve system includes at least one closed-centered valve with a spool mechanism having a pressure compensator to maintain a constant flow rate of fluid through the valve regardless of differential in pressure across the valve for any given position of the spool mechanism. Two pumps with two separate hydraulic control systems are used with a side loading refuse vehicle. An electrical/electronic control system including a microprocessor operates the valve systems for each vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Farooq A. Khan, Kosti Shivanian
  • Patent number: 7559734
    Abstract: A front loading refuse vehicle includes at least one positive displacement pump having an associated valve system in fluid communication with drive mechanism that operates a lifting arm, packer, a rear door of the vehicle, and a hoist for a refuse storage body. The valve system includes at least one closed-centered valve with a spool mechanism having a pressure compensator to maintain a constant flow rate of fluid through the valve regardless of differential in pressure across the valve for any given position of the spool mechanism. Two pumps with two separate hydraulic control systems are used with a side loading refuse vehicle. An electrical/electronic control system including a microprocessor operates the valve systems for each vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Farooq A. Khan, Kosti Shivanian
  • Patent number: 7559732
    Abstract: A front loading refuse vehicle includes at least one positive displacement pump having an associated valve system in fluid communication with drive mechanism that operates a lifting arm, packer, a rear door of the vehicle, and a hoist for a refuse storage body. The valve system includes at least one closed-centered valve with a spool mechanism having a pressure compensator to maintain a constant flow rate of fluid through the valve regardless of differential in pressure across the valve for any given position of the spool mechanism. Two pumps with two separate hydraulic control systems are used with a side loading refuse vehicle. An electrical/electronic control system including a microprocessor operates the valve systems for each vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Farooq A. Khan, Kosti Shivanian
  • Patent number: 7481612
    Abstract: A large rectangular bale loading, hauling and stacking vehicle that mounts on a production truck chassis. Loading is accomplished with a bale manipulator that can selectively pick up and rotate bales, depositing them in tiers on a load rack, some in tie tiers. The manipulator works in conjunction with a transverse pivoting mast along the length of which the manipulator is selectively movable. A stack of bales is thus formed on the load rack and later deposited at a storage site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Edward H. Priepke
  • Patent number: 7470100
    Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described including a vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, a chassis, and a ground engagement device attached to the chassis for providing movement of the vehicle across ground; an engine constructed for propelling the vehicle; a loader assembly; a hydraulic system constructed for driving the loader assembly; and operator area including a cage for protecting an operator located within the operator area, and controls for controlling movement of the vehicle and for controlling operation of the loader assembly; and a forward tools area extending from the operator seating area to the front end of the vehicle. The material handling apparatus can include an entrance to the operator area through the rear end of the vehicle, a loader assembly that includes a tower that rotates relative to the chassis, and a dump box or work platform provided in the forward tools area. A method for operating a material handling apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Skid Mor Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Hackett, Garry W. Rudd
  • Publication number: 20080290220
    Abstract: An access platform (208) enables containers (222) to be loaded into a cargo hold (218) of an aircraft (202) from a ground vehicle (220). The platform (208) has two opposite and non-parallel ends (210, 214), between which there is defined a support surface, the platform when viewed in plan having a generally trapezoidal shape. In use, an item (222) of cargo is moved between the cargo hold (218) and the ground vehicle (220) via a door opening, the movement of the item (222) through the door opening being in a direction (213) which when viewed in plan is not parallel to the direction (211) in which the door opening faces. During such movement, the item (222) of cargo is supported by from beneath by the support surface of the platform (208).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: AIRBUS UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Martyn Hulin
  • Patent number: 7371040
    Abstract: A bale wagon is disclosed having rolling rack tines that pivot, by only a few degrees, so as to reduce the angle between said rolling rack tines and the bale wagons loading bed surface at several preset positions, allows improved control over the lean angle of the unloaded bales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Stephen W. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7210890
    Abstract: A front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle is modularly provided with a combination of a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and one or more, side-loading robotic arms. To reduce mechanical stresses along couplings between the vehicle and the combination of the intermediate container and the robotic arm(s), a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor means of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: John M. Curotto, Edward M. Suden, Gideon Gimlan
  • Patent number: 7070381
    Abstract: A front loading refuse vehicle includes at least one positive displacement pump having an associated valve system in fluid communication with drive mechanism that operates a lifting arm, packer, a rear door of the vehicle, and a hoist for a refuse storage body. The valve system includes at least one closed-centered valve with a spool mechanism having a pressure compensator to maintain a constant flow rate of fluid through the valve regardless of differential in pressure across the valve for any given position of the spool mechanism. Two pumps with two separate hydraulic control systems are used with a side loading refuse vehicle. An electrical/electronic control system including a microprocessor operates the valve systems for each vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Farooq A. Khan, Kosti Shivanian
  • Patent number: 6997667
    Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described including a vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, a chassis, and a ground engagement device attached to the chassis for providing movement of the vehicle across ground; an engine constructed for propelling the vehicle; a loader assembly; a hydraulic system constructed for driving the loader assembly; and operator area including a cage for protecting an operator located within the operator area, and controls for controlling movement of the vehicle and for controlling operation of the loader assembly; and a forward tools area extending from the operator seating area to the front end of the vehicle. The material handling apparatus can include an entrance to the operator area through the rear end of the vehicle, a loader assembly that includes a tower that rotates relative to the chassis, and a dump box or work platform provided in the forward tools area. A method for operating a material handling apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Skid Mor Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Hackett, Garry W. Rudd
  • Patent number: 6866465
    Abstract: Wheels, endless treads, or articulating legs powered by a first drive mechanism support a chassis for movement along a support surface over which are spread one or more regular or irregular shaped objects. A transversely extending, forwardly opening receptacle is mounted to the chassis for receiving and holding the objects. The receptacle is movable by a second drive mechanism about a substantially horizontal axis between a lowered collecting position and a raised dumping position for dispensing collected objects into a collection bin. Working together a pair of sweeper gates mounted at opposite ends of the receptacle can be rotated by a third drive mechanism about respective vertical axes between fully open and fully closed positions. The sweeper gates entrap and pull objects into the receptacle when they are within a predetermined proximity of the receptacle. A remote control allows an operator to control the first, second and third drive mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: John M. Jester, George Jemmott
  • Publication number: 20040057824
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for retrieving traffic cones from roadway surfaces comprises a framework which is adapted to be attached to a roadwork vehicle so as to be movable therewith along a roadway surface. A knock-down bar upon the framework knocks down a normally upstanding traffic cone, and a substantially horizontally oriented, substantially conically configured spearing mechanism mounted upon the framework is inserted into the hollow interior of the traffic cone. The spearing mechanism and traffic cone are pivoted to a vertical orientation, and subsequently elevated so as to place the traffic cones onto a platform in a nested stacked array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Chad Orthaus, Merwin Anderson, Jamie Zimmerman, Bertrum England, George Hammond, Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens
  • Publication number: 20040042884
    Abstract: Wheels, endless treads, or articulating legs powered by a first drive mechanism support a chassis for movement along a support surface over which are spread one or more regular or irregular shaped objects. A transversely extending, forwardly opening receptacle is mounted to the chassis for receiving and holding the objects. The receptacle is movable by a second drive mechanism about a substantially horizontal axis between a lowered collecting position and a raised dumping position for dispensing collected objects into a collection bin. Working together a pair of sweeper gates mounted at opposite ends of the receptacle can be rotated by a third drive mechanism about respective vertical axes between fully open and fully closed positions. The sweeper gates entrap and pull objects into the receptacle when they are within a predetermined proximity of the receptacle. A remote control allows an operator to control the first, second and third drive mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: John M. Jester, George Jemmott
  • Patent number: 6687939
    Abstract: A bucket sweeper combination unit that is used in connection with a skid loader or skid steer which has universal mounts and remote hydraulics that power the unit. The sweeper is mounted to the lift arms of the loader ahead of the bucket. Chains are attached to the rear of the sweeper and the lift arms of the loader, and the bucket is pivotally attached to the mounting arms so that it can be pivoted when it is desired to dump the spoil material. A spoil guard is located on the bucket side of the rotating brush of the sweeper unit so that as the material is picked up by the brush, it will be deflected by the spoil guard directly into the bucket and retained in the bucket by the downwardly extending portion of the spoil guard. Preferably, the spoil guard is made adjustable so that its position can be moved closer to the rotating brush as the bristles wear shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Attachment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Koester
  • Patent number: 6655892
    Abstract: A series of transport carts (21) are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van (22) to leave an aisle (58) between them. The carts have wheel supported frames (28) with bottom supports (131) for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts (58) which are disengageably locked in track sections (66, 67) provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets (30) with discs (34) projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack (31) from the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
  • Publication number: 20030202870
    Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle having a vehicle chassis including a vehicle cab and frame with a vehicle body mounted on top of the frame. The vehicle body has a front receiving hopper separated from a rear storage compartment by means of a partition having an aperture for passage of refuse. A pendular packing device having a refuse engaging face is pivotally mounted within the receiving hopper and arcuately swings to rapidly transfer refuse through the aperture. In order to empty the storage compartment, a rear door is opened to permit egress of refuse and the partition moves longitudinally along the vehicle body to displace refuse out of the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Simon Huang
  • Publication number: 20030147733
    Abstract: [OBJECT] It is an object of the invention to provide a road control member retrieving apparatus which is less dangerous for an operator and has a simple structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Nobolu Shimomato
  • Patent number: RE39997
    Abstract: A fork lift with retractably extendable loading prongs for lifting loads from either side of a vehicle. The fork lift includes a mechanism for displacing the prongs over and across the vehicle, which mechanism has front and rear transverse girders which can be rigidly secured to the vehicle's chassis. The mechanism further includes front and rear masts, sprocketed wheels mounted on the masts to move the front and rear masts reciprocally, and a longitudinal beam which is coupled to the masts. The longitudinal beam can move up and down. Front and rear uprights extend downwardly from the longitudinal beam. The prongs are retractably engaged to the bottom of the uprights and are moved with hydraulic pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Samson Lift Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Baruch Parnes, Nachum Frankel
  • Patent number: RE43024
    Abstract: A fork lift with retractably extendable loading prongs for lifting loads from either side of a vehicle. The fork lift includes a mechanism for displacing the prongs over and across the vehicle, which mechanism has front and rear transverse girders which can be rigidly secured to the vehicle's chassis. The mechanism further includes front and rear masts, sprocketed wheels mounted on the masts to move the front and rear masts reciprocally, and a longitudinal beam which is coupled to the masts. The longitudinal beam can move up and down. Front and rear uprights extend downwardly from the longitudinal beam. The prongs are retractably engaged to the bottom of the uprights and are moved with hydraulic pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Samson Lift Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Baruch Parnes, Nachum Frankel