Abstract: A system for repositioning rails in a cargo bay of an aircraft. The system includes a base configured to be coupled to a structure in the cargo bay and having a first side and a second side. The system further includes a cradle for receiving a rail for restricting movement of a unit load device (ULD) in at least one direction, the cradle configured to position the rail between a first position and a second position in which the rail is closer to the second side of the base than when the rail is in the second position.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to boat loaders for trailers. In one example, a boat loader includes a primary tube extending between a first end and a second end and a light tube that can move within the primary tube. The light tube can include light elements extending along a portion of the light tube at a first end and a float attached to the light tube at a second end. The primary tube can be coupled to a trailer at the second end and the first end of the light tube can extend outward from the first end of the primary tube exposing the light elements as the primary tube is submerged in water and can retract into the primary tube as the primary tube is removed from the water.

Abstract: A load carrying vehicle including: a chassis; a load carrying container connected to the chassis; a plurality of wheels; a suspension arrangement coupling the wheels to the chassis; wherein the suspension arrangement is configured to controllably lower the container such that the container makes contact with at least two wheels.

Abstract: A loading platform for use in building construction, the loading platform comprising a support structure adapted to be fixed to a building and extend outwardly from the building; and a deck mountable to the support structure such that the deck extends from the building, the support structure being configured such that at least a portion of an upper surface of the support structure extends level with or below a floor surface of the building when fixed to the building.

Abstract: A loading device and method hydraulically support or move rollers, in order to deal with loading unloading bulky or heavy objects, such as a boat from a trailer.

Abstract: A large and massive panel is manoeuvred and supported by a work piece support which has an upper horizontal work piece support surface for receiving the panel in extended surface-to-surface contact. An array of apertures is provided in the work piece support surface, beneath same of which are provided low friction bearing elements moveable between a raised, load-bearing position in which the panel can be slid onto the work piece support and a retracted position in which the panel is left in extended surface to surface contact with the work piece support.

Abstract: A battery transfer apparatus for loading/unloading batteries from materials handling vehicles includes a mobile unit and a battery stand. The mobile unit is used to transport batteries into/out of materials handling vehicles and includes load handling structure comprising at least one roller, which is used to roll batteries into/out of materials handling vehicles. A top wall of the battery stand includes at least one opening and support structure of the battery stand engages a surface so as to support the battery stand thereon. The battery stand is engaged by the mobile unit during battery transfer operations by inserting the roller(s) up through the opening(s) in the top wall of the battery stand such that the roller(s) can engage the battery through the opening(s). The battery stand is capable of storing the battery while the battery is out of the materials handling vehicle.

Abstract: A removable, modular, cargo deck trailer system may include different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units which are configured to be removably and interchangeably attached to a trailer. The different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units may collectively include a plurality of moving apparatus for moving cargo in a lengthwise direction relative to the deck units, for moving cargo in a vertical direction relative to the deck units, and for moving cargo in at least one of a widthwise direction relative to the deck units, and in a rotating direction relative to the deck units.

Abstract: A apparatus for handling a load. An elongate support plate for supporting the load is mounted to an elongate housing of a base from which two substantially upstanding side members extend. A load handling means provided in the housing is registered with the support plate, said load handling means having a retracted position. Other elements include a moving means provided in the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to versatile cargo trailer decks, and to methods for moving cargo onto such cargo trailer decks. In embodiment, a cargo trailer deck may have first and second moving apparatus attached to a deck member. The first moving apparatus may be adapted to move cargo between the back end of the deck member and the front end of the deck member, while the second moving apparatus may be adapted to rotate cargo from one orientation on the deck member to a second orientation on the deck member. The deck member may be adapted to move in backward, forward, left, right, vertical, and tilt directions, in order to align the deck member for loading and/or unloading cargo.

Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and a device for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.

Abstract: A container for example for a seeder includes a filling conveyor mounted on one with a bottom hopper and an upper filling spout with the conveyor being movable in a direction inwardly and outwardly relative to the side of the container to different positions relative to the container for cooperation with a supply. This is achieved by mounting the conveyor on a swivel coupling at the outer end of an arm which can be raised and lowered by pivotal movement about an inner end at the container. The hopper is supported on two pairs of ground wheels, each pair being arranged on a respective side of the hopper for supporting the respective side and each pair comprising a respective one of a pair of castor wheels mounted at respective ends of a pivotal beam extending along the respective side of the hopper and pivotal about an axis transverse to the hopper.

Abstract: A conveyor system for loading pallets into and out of a vehicle includes an accumulating conveyor and airbag rail. The accumulating conveyor is constituted by a pair of chain rails for supporting and conveying pallets into and out of a vehicle. The airbag rail is positioned between the chain rails and adjacent to one of the chain rails. The airbag rail is constituted by a base beam, a lift beam and an airbag positioned between the two beams. The arrangement is such that, with the chain rails and the base beam fixed to the floor of a vehicle, the airbag can be inflated to raise the lift beam so as to lift an edge portion of a pallet supported by the two chain rails out of contact with one of the chain rails.

Abstract: An adjustable system and an associated method for handling cargo in a cargo carrier are provided. The system includes a plurality of strips of low friction material for supporting the cargo during unloading or loading and during transit. Each strip has a relatively lower coefficient of friction than a floor of the cargo carrier and can be adjusted between an operative position and a non-operative position. In the operative position, the strips extend from the floor of the cargo carrier so that the cargo can be slid upon and supported by the strips. In the non-operative position, the strips are adjusted relative to the floor so that cargo in the carrier is at least partially supported by the floor.

Abstract: A mechanical handling apparatus comprising a support surface for supporting a load, and a plurality of rollers, each roller being rotatably mounted on an axle for moving a load over the support surface, the support surface comprising an aperture for each roller so that either the rollers or the support surface can be moved between a first position in which at least a part of each roller is proud of the support surface and a second position in which each roller is substantially flush with or recessed below the support surface, and at least two rollers being mounted on each axle.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously loading/unloading a plurality of wafer boats (24) onto/from a cantilever paddle includes a cantilever paddle (47-1) and a carriage (42-1) supporting the cantilever paddle First and second vertical translation mechanisms (34A,B) each include a stationary part (62,63) and a vertically moveable support (61). First and second horizontal translation mechanisms (50A,B) each have a base (86) supported by one of the vertically moveable supports and a horizontally moveable arm (51) supported by the base (86). A horizontal boat support assembly (102) supports the loaded wafer boats and has an end supported by a first horizontally moveable arm (51A) and another end supported by a second horizontally moveable arm (51B).

Abstract: The invention relates to mechanical handling apparatus comprising a support surface for supporting a load, and a plurality of rollers, each roller being rotatably mounted on an axle for moving a load over the support surface, the support surface comprising an aperture for each roller so that either the rollers or the support surface can be moved between a first position in which at least a part of each roller is proud of the support surface and a second position in which each roller is substantially flush with or recessed below the support surface, at least two rollers being mounted on each axle.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading rails from a freight car on which the rails are arrayed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the freight car comprises a track-bound car, and a rail guiding unit positioned at each car end. Each rail guiding unit comprises a pair of rail guide heads having guide rollers for centering a respective one of the rails therebetween. The rail guide heads of a first rail guiding unit are positioned at one of the car ends and are displaceable in a horizontal plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, and drives are provided for vertically adjusting the rail guide heads of the first rail guiding unit.

Abstract: The vehicle is provided with a loading platform (5) behind the driver's position, and with longitudinal structures which may be raised and retracted, on which are provided a number of rollers (8) with horizontal, parallel shafts which are transverse to the vehicle, on which loads may slide when these rollers are raised. It is also provided with a pair of multi-purpose plates (11), which when not needed are placed in the rear, lower area of the vehicle or behind the roll bar, and which may be coupled to either of the vehicle's sides or to its rear, so that they rest on the ground and provide loading and unloading ramps, while when they are placed on top of the platform they can increase its useful surface, or a lateral wall, depending on the position of these plates. In the center of the loading platform is also provided a large receptacle (16), closed by a pair of doors which have padding (27) on their inner surface, thereby providing seats for when persons must be carried.

Abstract: An arrangement for conveying material to be conveyed along a conveying plane, in particular for freight-loading systems in freight compartments, preferably of aircraft is disclosed. The arrangement provides that driving material to be conveyed along a conveying plane, with which safe, reliable transport of the material to be conveyed is ensured with low wear of the conveying roller under widely varying operating conditions. This is achieved in that, in a drive unit, the conveying roller is connected to a first drive and an associated first activating unit for producing a requisite traction force for moving the material to be conveyed along the conveying plane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a corrosion-resistant member having a resistance to plasma of a halogen based corrosive gas, which comprises a main body and a corrosion-resistant layer formed on a surface of the main body and containing a fluoride of at least one element selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements and alkaline earth elements.

Abstract: A roller drive unit with a roller, a motor to drive the roller, a drive shaft coupled to the motor, and a gear system to couple the roller to the drive shaft. The gear system has a drive gear coupled in a non-rotating manner to the drive shaft, and a driven gear coupled to the roller on the one hand and to the drive gear on the other. The drive unit also includes a support element on which the roller is supported in a rotary manner and which is in turn rotatable about the axis of the roller, a device for limiting the angular range about which the support element rotates, and a supporting device for receiving the force acting by means of a load on the roller. The support element carries at least one eccentric cam supported on a cam support.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a heat resistant die lift system. The system comprises an upwardly opening cavity in a bolster having a vertically movable rail therein. An airbag extends longitudinally of the cavity under the rail. A plurality of rollers are supported by the rail so as to be movable vertically therewith. Inflation of the airbag effects elevation of the rails and rollers into engagement with the bottom of the die and elevation of the die relative to the press bolster. One end of the airbag is telescoped over a complimentary conical nozzle in an air manifold and is retained by a locking block having a conical bore complimentary to the nozzle so as to eliminate the use of adhesives or sealants.

Abstract: A cart and caddie system for storing and transporting standard, multi-gallon water bottles, and for inverting each bottle so that its neck is received in an open well at the top of a water dispenser to feed water therein. The wheeled cart includes a lower deck loaded by depleted bottles taken from the dispenser and an upper roller deck loaded by filled water bottles and having an outlet end. The wheeled caddie which is provided with a swiveled cradle is movable from a position adjacent the cart in which the cradle lies in registration with the outlet end of the upper deck whereby a filled bottle can then be transferred from the upper deck to the cradle and then to a position adjacent the dispenser at which the cradle can then be swung to invert the bottle to cause its neck to be received in the open well and thereby renew the water supply of the dispenser.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted hoist includes container supporting roller assemblies configured to support a container for loading, unloading, transporting and/or dumping wherein the roller assemblies are vertically adjustable to provide for a variety of differently sized containers. The hoist includes a tilt frame and a plurality of brace devices mounted to the tilt frame and being for supporting a plurality of rollers in at least two different vertical positions, and includes a plurality of rollers sized and configured to be mounted to the brace devices to collectively support a container thereon.

Abstract: A self-driven liftup conveyor comprises a channel including a bottom plate and two side plates; a roller tray accommodated in the channel and holding a multiplicity of rollers in a rotatable manner; a belt placed all over the length of the rollers; a drive mechanism for reciprocating the belt; and a lift mechanism interposed between the roller tray and the channel for moving the roller tray together with the belt on the rollers vertically with respect to a freight stacking face. A vehicular liftup conveyor is constructed by placing that self-driven liftup conveyor and ordinary liftup conveyors in parallel on the truck bed. A truck freight loader/unloader is constructed by placing the self-driven liftup conveyor and the ordinary liftup conveyors in parallel on a platform to be connected to the truck bed. A truck freight loading system is constructed by combining the truck freightloader/unloader and the truck bed having an ordinary liftup conveyor mounted thereon.

Abstract: The invention comprises a bench and loading lift for supporting a stretcher on an aircraft and for loading the stretcher onto the bench, while the bench is on the aircraft. The bench has a top surface for supporting a stretcher thereon with a slidably adjustable oxygen and vacuum outlet to provide oxygen and a vacuum at a selected locations along the bench by sliding the adjustable oxygen and vacuum outlets along the bench. The bench has sleeve structure at adjustable locations along the bench for receiving the mounting pin at the forward end of a ramp or lift for supporting the forward end of the ramp at an adjustable location on the bench while the bench is in an aircraft. The lift has vertically adjustable rear leg structure adapted to engage the ground outside the aircraft and adjustable to enable the lift to be adjusted to a suitable height for receiving a stretcher, with a patient thereon, on the ground and sliding the stretcher along the lift onto the bench inside the aircraft.

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: An interface system for cargo loaders which is especially suited for use with aircraft cargo loaders. The interface is secured to a deck structure forming part of the cargo loader. The interface system includes a primary interface member which can be extended or retracted with respect to the end of the deck. In addition to extension and retraction, the primary interface member can be angularly adjusted with respect to the end of the deck. In one embodiment a secondary interface member is stowed adjacent to the primary interface or nested within a recess formed in the primary interface. The secondary interface can be extended or retracted with respect to the primary interface member. The secondary interface can also be designed for angular adjustment. The primary interface also includes lateral extension members which can be varied in position to either decrease or increase the transverse length of the primary interface member.

Abstract: A conveyor for large cylindrical bodies such as paper rolls, includes an elongate track defined by a channel member and a beam mounted within the channel member. The beam defines a pair of rolling surfaces upon which a short length carriage runs longitudinally of the beam. The carriage has an upper surface for receiving the roll and transporting the roll in a direction longitudinal of the axis of the roll. The carriage is pulled longitudinally of the track by a cable driven by an air motor positioned at one end of the track. A portion of the track can be lowered for an initial raised position in which the carriage is above the side edges of the track to a lower position so the roll can be simply rolled onto the carriage. The lower position is achieved by deflating an elongate air bag inside the channel and underneath the beam. A second carriage can be positioned on the track for transporting the roll from a used position to a discharge position.

Abstract: An on-board aircraft cargo handling system comprises a plurality of tines which are mounted within a cargo ramp and beneath its surface and are capable of extension aft of the ramp across a truck bed or the like. The tines have a plurality of rollers extending above their top surfaces for permitting easy movement of cargo across the tines. The ends of the tines are tapered to allow them to be pushed under the cargo to be moved. Pallet retainers, which consist of arm members which have finger-like projections on one end for allowing interengagement of the arm members with notches on the cargo, are mounted to the cargo ramp in such a way as to permit movement of the arms for aligning them with the cargo notches. Additionally, the cargo ramp surface includes pop-up chocks, which may be extended above the surface to lift the cargo, thus permitting forklift tines to be slid underneath.

Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension control system that is especially applicable to an aircargo transport loader which is adapted for storage in a cargo hold of an aircraft. The suspension control system utilizes sensors to monitor the clearance between the vehicle and an underlying or overlying surface such as the ramp leading into a cargo hold or the roof of the cargo hold. The sensors relay information concerning clearance to a central control where the necessary suspension adjustments are made to allow the vehicle to avoid a clearance problem once travel is continued after stopping for the suspension adjustment. The system allows for suspension adjustments to be made either automatically or manually. The invention also includes an under deck support system which allows for limited pitch, yaw, roll and side to side adjustments to be made to the deck with respect to the underlying base frame.

Abstract: Fixed parallel cargo rails are positioned on the cargo bed floor of an aircraft, spaced sufficiently to fit a pallet snugly therebetween. A plurality of collinear slots arranged along the length of the cargo bed floor are positioned just inboard of each rail. The slots are evenly spaced and oriented lengthwise with respect to the cargo bed floor. A dog extends above the cargo bed floor from each slot and is adapted to engage a notch in the cargo. While engaged, the dog is adapted to move along its slot, thereby moving the pallet lengthwise along the cargo bed floor. The pallet is passed bucket brigade style from one dog to the next.Another aspect of the invention is the employment of movable cargo rails on the cargo ramp. The rails are slidable widthwise across the ramp within mounting slots, thus permitting the spacing between the rails to vary. The result is that loading cargo onto the ramp and aligning it with the fixed cargo rails on the cargo bed floor is made much easier.

Abstract: An interface for cargo loaders which is especially suited for use with aircraft cargo loaders. The interface is secured to a deck structure forming part of the cargo loader. The interface includes a primary interface member which can be extended or retracted with respect to the end of the deck. In addition to extension and retraction, the primary interface member can be angularly adjusted with respect to the end of the deck. A secondary interface member is stowed adjacent to the primary interface or nested within a recess formed in the primary interface. The secondary interface can be extended or retracted with respect to the primary interface member. The secondary interface can also be designed for angular adjustment. The primary interface also includes lateral extension members which can be varied in position to either decrease or increase the transverse length of the primary interface member.

Abstract: Routine hand-labor cargo processing is an integral component of world commerce. The present invention permits the incorporation in one-and-the-same freight floor surface of the capacity for near-instantaneous conversion from the traditional static norm to the fluidity of an appropriately-spaced roller ball floor surface constructed of a positively unfailing composition. This convertability aspect offers an incomparable cost reduction in both labor and equipment in the cargo handling field. This floor system allows for those transfer balls 20 to retract from and project above its floor surface at the will of the operator.

Abstract: A carriage conveying apparatus has a loaded carriage to be conveyed, and a driving vehicle for coupling, towing and conveying the carriage from below the carriage. Since the vertical load of the carriage is transmitted to the driving vehicle, controlled to a proper magnitude, the driving vehicle may be reduced in size and weight, and it is also possible to have stable travel if the carriage is empty. By designing all three wheels so as to be driven and steered, sideways and spin-turn motions are realized. By providing recognition marks and detecting means, it is possible to position the driving vehicle accurately if the setting position of the carriage deviates.

Abstract: An elevating roller track assembly having a base member and a lift bar located in a channel which is formed in the base member. The lift bar is slidably mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the base member. A first elevator ramp is mounted on the lift bar. The first ramp has a first ramp face which is inclined upwardly toward a first end of the base member. A roller support member is slidably mounted in the base for longitudinal movement. The roller support member has a bottom wall overlying the lift bar. A plurality of load supporting rollers are mounted for rotation on and extending upwardly from the roller support member. A second elevator ramp is mounted on the bottom wall of the roller support. The second elevator ramp has a second ramp face which extends parallel to the first ramp face in a face-to-face relationship therewith.

Abstract: A load carrying floor, more particularly of a load transporting vehicle, provided with a number of roller tracks disposed parallel to one another, on which a load may be displaced across the floor with low frictional resistance, displacement and holding devices being provided, comprising at least one additional track of rollers, over which a friction belt is trained, which is adapted to get into frictional contact with the lower side of a load and to be selectively driven in one direction or the other, so as to displace the load in one direction or the other and parallel to the roller tracks. The ends of the friction belt are each fastened for winding or unwinding respectively on a drum provided at the respective end of the floor.

Abstract: A boat trailer frame has front cross rails spanning the parallel portions of longitudinal rails with forwardly convergent front ends. The cross rails carry sets of boat hull-engaging members arranged to conform to the shape of the hulls of boats to be transported. Transversely extending pivots, in hanger cradles carried by longitudinally adjustable hangers depending from the longitudinal rails, mount the ends of the cross rails for pivoting movement in a fore and aft direction and pivot restricting stops interact between the hangers and cross rails to limit the arc of fore and aft pivot thereof.

Abstract: An die transfer and quick change system comprising at least four T-lift units installed in T-slots formed in the surface of the machine bolster. The T-lift units are installed in the bolsters so that there are at least two systems for positioning the die parallel to the machine or press and at least two systems for positioning the die perpendicular to the machine or press. A control mechanism is provided for selectively inflating and deflating the air bag in each of the T-lift units. The control mechanism provides for two separate T-lift systems which are inflated or deflated independently of each other. A pre-staging table is provided adjacent the machine or press bolster for pre-staging a plurality of dies thereon and for transporting selected dies to and from the machine.

Abstract: A pair of opposite side guide members are mounted from opposite side rear portions of a trailer frame for guided shifting along upwardly convergent paths and the upper ends of the guide members include upwardly facing hull undersurface engaging and supporting heads oscillatably supported from the guide members for angular displacement relative thereto about axes extending generally longitudinally of the trailer frame. The guide members are yieldingly biased toward upper limit positions and the heads are oscillatable between first upright upwardly facing positions and second inclined limit positions with the heads facing in upwardly convergent directions inclined generally 45.degree. relative to the horizontal. The heads are gravity biased toward the inclined limit positions thereof.

Abstract: An improved boat trailer guide-on comprising bracket means that adjustably attaches to a conventional boat trailer and holds a substantially vertical shaft means with telescopically extendable foamed plastic rollers thereon. Such a device allows the roller to float upwards as the boat trailer is backed into the water, thus remaining visible and capable of assisting in the loading and unloading of a boat. Optionally, the top of the floating, telescopically extendable, roller is equipped with a tail light lamp for assisting in loading and unloading after dark.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting roll-off containers is disclosed wherein a special trailer is fabricated with longitudinally extending main rails and a plurality of inside rollers and outside rollers rotatively affixed to the main rails. The main rails terminate rearwardly in an angularly declined unloading ramp, which ramp terminates in spaced relation above the road surface. A plurality of six roll-off containers are stacked to form two similar nests of three containers each, with the lowermost container of each nest oriented in horizontal alignment. The two nests of containers are placed upon the trailer in longitudinal juxtaposition in a location wherein the bottom rails of the lowermost containers rest upon either the inside or outside rollers.

Abstract: Load transporting apparatus enables loads to be transported on and off vehicles. The apparatus requires a loading platform to be located adjacent a load receiving surface of a vehicle. The platform and the surface each have channel shaped tracks which are aligned with one another. An inflatable tube on which is carried a plate is located in the base of the channel and skates are arranged to be moved along the plates when the tube is inflated. Thus the skates can move along the channels supporting a load when a transfer to or from the vehicle is required. When in position deflation of the tube causes the skates to lower and the load rests on the associated surface. In the deflated position the skates can be moved along the tracks out of engagement with the load. The plates have a central depression to ensure that the skates remain centrally located in the tracks.

Abstract: A harvesting system for wet soil crops, such as broccoli and cauliflower, includes a harvest/shuttle vehicle and complementary trailer. The vehicle may be operated in a harvest mode in concert with detachable harvesting wings to accumulate a load of produce during a harvest. Thereafter, the harvest vehicle may either transfer the load to a similar vehicle used in a shuttle mode to transport the load to the highway, or the wings may be detached from the vehicle and the vehicle may be operated in the shuttle mode to transport the load to the highway. In either application, the harvest remains uninterrupted because the harvesting wings continue to remain in use in the field. After a load is transported from the field to the highway, it is readily transferred to a trailer. The trailer includes a trailer bed that is readily adjusted between a load receiving elevation and a load transporting elevation.

Abstract: Mechanical handling apparatus (1) which includes rollers (7) which can be raised and lowered above or below a support surface, and a driven roller or rollers (14) which is driven by an electro-hydraulic system including a hydraulic motor (20) and which is mounted on a pivoted bracket (15) which can be raised and lowered by an air control ram (16) so that the roller (14) too can be raised and lowered relative to the support surface to engage a pallet (18) and drive that pallet (18) over the apparatus (1).

Abstract: A roller bed vehicle is provided which includes selectively elevatable rollers positioned in openings in a vehicle load carrying bed. A roller actuator mechanism array selectively raises and lowers the rollers so that a load may slide across the raised rollers to load and unload onto the bed and the rollers may be lowered below the bed top surface to facilitate the load resting on the bed when transported by the vehicle.

Abstract: A "no-lift" container trailer is disclosed having a vertically movable roller tray with parallel rollers thereon which when tangent to the roll plane, and solely support a container thereon allow the container to be moved onto or off the trailer. A vertically movable caster tray of the trailer has fixed caster wheels thereon with their axes of rotation intersecting a vertical axis near the center of the trailer. When the wheels provide sole support for the container at the roll plane the container may be rotated about the vertical axis to any desired position. Manually operated cams are provided to sequentially move only the rollers tangent to the roll plane for supporting the container only on the rollers to move both the rollers and wheels tangent to the roll plane, and to move the rollers below the roll plane for supporting the container only on the wheels thus transferring the containers between the rollers and the wheel at the roll plane without lifting the container.

Abstract: Transfer table for storage and lateral transport of elongated structural members, such as I-beams, having 1/4 inch or greater flanges. The table includes a plurality of longitudinally extending stationary supports defining a lateral carriage for the I-beam flanges. Individual roller carriages are reciprocally supported within at least two adjacent supports, each roller carriage having a plurality of longitudinally extending trains of idler rollers, staggered upon transverse axes atop the carriage. Each roller carriage includes an expansible mid-section, so as to lift the idler rollers and the I-beams supported thereon above the level of the longitudinally extending stationary supports. A conveyor drive attached to each roller carriage then propels the roller carriage and I-beams supported thereon across the transfer table to an axial conveyance.

Abstract: A self-propelled, side loading vehicle comprises a chassis supported on front and rear pairs of wheels and having three box-shaped sections separated by two transversely elongate clear ways extending from one side of the chassis to a rigid frame along a side of the chassis opposite the one side. Three mast members are received on guide tracks mounted on the chassis and have means for independent transverse movement within the two clear ways and along one end of the chassis, each mast member comprising upper and lower telescopic sections and a fluid cylinder for raising and lowering the upper section. A load-bearing assembly is supported by the upper section of each mast member and comprises an outwardly extending bracket connected to a roller chain, the chain extending about a powered sprocket for raising and lowering the bracket connected to the chain. The bracket has a transversely extending, horizontal roller for supporting a load.