Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for destroying, on site, electronic and electric equipment and media and the information contained thereon. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing information stored on electronic and electric equipment and media by degaussing and shredding the physical hardware containing the information. Each of the degausser and the shredder are contained within a mobile vehicle such that the scrap electronic and electric equipment and media may be destroyed and stored within targeted receptacles. Moreover, the mobile vehicle of the present invention is adapted to move from one location to another such that the method of destroying the electronic and electric equipment and media may be utilized on-site at the facility of a business owner, thereby, eliminating any risk associated with compromising the confidentiality of the information.

Abstract: A bulk material cargo container liner system comprises an inflatable bulk material cargo container liner which has at least one vacuum discharge tube member disposed internally within the bulk material cargo container liner and extending along the longitudinal extent thereof for discharging bulk cargo material outwardly from the bulk material cargo container liner, and at least one inflatable air bag component for conducting the bulk material, disposed within the bulk material cargo container, toward the vacuum discharge tube member.

Abstract: A system for handling cargo containers includes at least one intermodal railroad car having a pair of longitudinal ramps and a pair of tapered ends, at least one vehicle connectable to a cargo container and having ground engaging wheels mounted in a spaced apart relationship for travel on the pair of longitudinal ramps and further having linear actuators for moving the cargo container in a vertical direction, and at least one cargo handling terminal enabling movement of the at least one vehicle onto and from each of the pair of longitudinal ramps and the pair of ends for loading the cargo container onto and unloading the cargo container from the at least one intermodal railroad car. A vehicle adapted for travel on both ground surface and rail track and a method for transporting cargo using such vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: The subject device set forth herein is an improved apparatus to be deployed and used with a vehicle or other means used to transport cargo items from place to place, said device comprising means to move cargo from the vehicle by mechanically movable means which embrace or physically contact the cargo items in a thrusting movement to push against and move such cargo from the vehicle to a designated position away from the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for sorting piece goods. The apparatus comprises a sorting arrangement which comprises two rollers arranged parallel to one another, wherein these rollers can rotate about their longitudinal direction and wherein the rollers are configured in such a way that the piece goods are transported along the rollers, and comprising a transport device which conveys the piece goods in the direction of the sorting arrangement. According to certain embodiments, arranged above the transport device are displacement devices which make contact with the piece goods at least temporarily and displace said piece goods relative to the transport device.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved trailer for processing items. The trailer includes a frame, translating wheel assemblies and a pivoting hitch assembly. Each translating wheel assembly includes a stationary portion fixed to the frame and a translating portion for carrying at least one wheel. The translating portions of the wheel assemblies move up and down between a first extended position in which the wheels support the frame of the trailer and a second retracted position in which the frame sits on the ground. The hitch assembly includes an arm for coupling the trailer to a tractor vehicle. The arm moves between a first trailering position and a second stowed position. The arm is pivoted into the stowed position so that it does not interfere with process items entering or leaving the trailer.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an access apparatus and a method of access is presented. The hydraulic drive system may include a hydraulic power unit, a hydraulic cylinder and a subsystem for limiting motion of the access system according to the position of and/or load supported by the access system. The subsystem may prevent motion, such as stowing and/or folding, when the access apparatus is supporting a load and/or is in a predetermined position. To limit motion, the subsystem may create a fluid path from the hydraulic power unit that bypasses the hydraulic cylinder, thus preventing the cylinder from moving the access apparatus. The subsystem may include a first valve that is opened when the access apparatus is in the predetermined position, and/or a second valve that is opened when the access apparatus is supporting a load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the placement of a bridge element using a vehicle having a placement arm, and a use of the apparatus. The placement arm has at least one drive element adapted to cooperate with the bridge element. A braking device is disposed in the vicinity of the deposition end of the placement arm and cooperates with the bridge element during a placement procedure. The bridge element is braked via an engagement element of the braking device. Movement of the bridge element in a longitudinal direction can be measured and monitored, and in the event of an uncontrolled movement the bridge element can be braked.

Abstract: A cargo loader operable to load cargo into an opening of an enclosed trailer. The loader has an elongated bed with a front portion and a rear open portion. The opening of the trailer is positioned adjacent to the rear open portion of the bed. A pair of sidewalls flank the rear open portion and define an interior cargo receiving area. A carriage is moveably mounted to the bed and coupled to a drive assembly operable to move the carriage between the front portion and the rear open portion. The carriage is positioned on the front portion to allow cargo to be loaded into the cargo receiving area. The carriage is configured to push a ram longitudinally along the bed to push the cargo inside the cargo receiving area into the opening of the enclosed trailer.

Abstract: Through the use of a rail system having spaced apart rails tracking above and along a roadway with arcuate guides associated with each rail and a cone magazine sequentially delivering traffic cones in a horizontal position between the rails in front of the arcuate guides, each horizontally disposed cone will be brought to an upright position when the top of its base contacts the guides as a result of friction with the roadway of one edge of the base of the traffic cone and movement of the guides with the rails. In one embodiment the magazine includes a mechanical arm with a cone clamp at its distal end, arranged to move the cone clamp from a cone storage to a location between the rails to sequentially deliver cones to the rail system. An auxiliary system is provided to reposition upright traffic cone from the rail system in a taper for closing off access to roadways.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the environment of an internal airplane space during loading and unloading of cargo, a cargo tent for use in such transfers and a method of transfer. A collapsible cargo tent is located on a cargo transfer platform at one end of a mobile cargo lift. The collapsible cargo tent may include a collapsible frame and a cargo loader thermal curtain with a vertical strip curtain in an opening at either end. Also, the cargo tent may include a conformable flexible shield at strip curtain opening. The conformable flexible shield engages the fuselage at the door of an aircraft to form an environmental seal and the cargo loader thermal curtain forms a thermal air lock at the door such that cargo may pass through the airlock with the door open and without exposing the cargo bay to external environment.

Abstract: A mounting system and method for a portable hoist assembly usable in the load-carrying portion of a vehicle includes a post base and a surface support base. The post base including a tubular support post and a plurality of support rings attached thereto. The surface support base includes a substantially flat plate having a hole formed therein with a receiver sleeve extending therefrom. The tubular support post of the post base is inserted into the receiver through the hole in the substantially flat plate. The portable hoist assembly is inserted through the plurality of support rings. Hardware is used to affix the surface support base to the floor of the load-carrying portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A passenger lift includes a lift platform that operates between a generally vertical stowed position in a motor vehicle, a substantially horizontal position at the height of the vehicle floor, and a position resting on the ground. The passenger lift is actuated by hydraulic cylinders responsive to hydraulic pressure and fluid flow from a hydraulic pump driven by a DC electric motor, in cooperation with direction and flow control components. A power-dissipating resistor is switched into and out of series with the motor to effect selected two-speed operation of the motor, the pump, the actuating cylinders and the passenger lift platform, such that one speed is used for deployment and retraction of the lift platform from and to the stowed position, and the second speed is used to raise and lower the lift platform and passenger between the vehicle and the ground.

Abstract: A transportable device, such as a cart, for transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer may include a base platform, first and second elevation members disposed thereon, a panel disposed between the first and second elevation members, and first and second elevator platforms. The panel may include a pair of opposite vertical faces along which the elevator platforms slide to mutually exchange elevations by vertically sliding the platforms in opposite directions. The device may be used for a method of transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer at an installation height above a floor. Additionally, the device may be used for a method of removing and storing an imaging media cartridge from a press printer at an installation height above the floor.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated lifting and transferring apparatus designed to facilitate the lifting and transfer process of a disabled person into and out of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having a vertical or semi-vertical electric or hydraulic extension arm, a mounting apparatus, a seat belt interlock system or foldaway safety arm, a support member along a plane having a horizontal component with option to pivot from its end point from a horizontal to a substantially vertical axis, and a seat surface with locking device pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift (20) for a vehicle is disclosed. The wheelchair lift includes a lift platform (22) coupled to a support structure (32) by an attachment assembly (74). The lift platform is reciprocal between a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the lift platform is coplanar with a first plane. The wheelchair lift also includes a redundant support assembly (80) in communication with the lift platform to provide secondary support of the lift platform when the lift platform is in the extended position and to maintain the lift platform in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane if a portion of the attachment assembly fails.

Abstract: Separately from a normal running mode, there is provided a turning mode in which a body (1) is allowed to turn. In the turning mode, road wheels (5a, 5b) and a driving wheel (8) are set such that the wheels are oriented so as to follow along a circumference R1 to R3 that would be formed about a distal end (B) of a fork arm (2b). As a result of this, the body (1) is allowed to turn about the distal end (B) of the fork arm (2b), whereby the body (1) can simply be positioned so as to confront the front of a pallet (40).

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting semiconductor devices is used for servicing loadports of semiconductor processing tools with device carriers by use of a portal hoist. Thereby, the vehicle contains an empty inner space and an open front side, such that the loadport is enclosed by the vehicle, when it approaches and docks to the loadport. Time for loading is shortened, complexity of structure and procedure is reduced and cleanroom space is saved.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart collection vehicle is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, and storing various types of carts and carriers. The vehicle may additionally include hydraulic lifters, lights, a slip clutch, an extendable carrying arm, carrying boom, a carrying ram, secondary support rods, rear cart retrieval, holding pins, holding bumps, holding numbs, roll bars, a windshield, an operator weather cover, removable cover, doors, side windows, and back window, and/or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a cart trailer includes a floor, side rails, loading ramp, holding pin, trailer hitch, and chain lock connector. An improved method of collecting shopping carts is disclosed wherein a shopping cart collection vehicle is used to pickup the shopping carts and return them to the store.

Abstract: A lifting device for a vehicle comprises a rail chassis which can be fitted transversely across the vehicle in a luggage compartment underneath a load deck of a vehicle, and a carriage assembly which extends outwardly of the vehicle, along the chassis, the carriage assembly comprising an inner frame and an outer frame which operate telescopically in a vertical direction, to carry a load platform between a raised and lowered position, in which at lower position the load platform is at ground level, and in which at raised position, the load platform is at a same level as a passenger deck of the vehicle. The lifting device saves space, due to its vertical installation in a luggage compartment underneath a passenger deck, and is easily installed by fitment directly to the floor of the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing or placing traffic cones onto a roadway surface at predeterminedly spaced locations thereof comprises a horizontally disposed magazine, and a vertically oriented chute section. A plurality of traffic cones can be loaded into the magazine section, and a leading one of the traffic cones can be moved into the vertically oriented chute section for discharge and deposition onto the roadway surface. An automatic control system can also be used to control the discharge of the traffic cones into the vertically oriented chute section in accordance with predeterminedly timed sequences such that the traffic cones can be placed upon the roadway surface at locations which are spaced apart by predeterminedly defined distances.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing or placing traffic cones onto a roadway surface at predeterminedly spaced locations thereof comprises a horizontally disposed magazine, and a vertically oriented chute section. A plurality of traffic cones can be loaded into the magazine section, and a leading one of the traffic cones can be moved into the vertically oriented chute section for discharge and deposition onto the roadway surface. An automatic control system can also be used to control the discharge of the traffic cones into the vertically oriented chute section in accordance with predeterminedly timed sequences such that the traffic cones can be placed upon the roadway surface at locations which are spaced apart by predeterminedly defined distances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydraulic circuit capable of independently controlling a plurality of hydraulic cylinders or actuators. The hydraulic circuit includes a set of independently energizable valves fluidically positioned in the circuit and capable of, when selectively energized and de-energized, functionally isolating specific circuit elements. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydraulic circuit for independently controlling the stowage functions, vertical movement, and rollstop operations of a wheelchair-lifting platform. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a wheelchair lifting platform having a lifting cylinder and a rollstop cylinder and incorporating a hydraulic circuit capable of independently actuating and controlling the respective cylinders.

Abstract: The invention refers to a packaging system (1) for a medical device, comprising a frame (2) for supporting the device (15) in a laid-down position, said frame being provided with means for assisting in positioning the device towards an essentially upright position during unpacking thereof. The invention also refers to a method of packing the packaging system (1), comprising the steps of: packing the device (15) in an essentially laid-down position on the frame (2); and preparing the assisting means to assist in unpacking on demand. Furthermore a method of unpacking the packaging system (1) is proposed, comprising the steps of: activating the assisting means; and unpacking the device packed in the essentially laid-down position with the help of the assisting means towards its essentially upright position. The method of packing and the method of unpacking are combined into a method of transporting.

Abstract: A processor for processing integrated circuit wafers, semiconductor substrates, data disks and similar units requiring very low contamination levels. The processor has an interface section which receives wafers in standard wafer carriers. The interface section transfers the wafers from carriers onto novel trays for improved processing. The interface unit can hold multiple groups of multiple trays. A conveyor having an automated arm assembly moves wafers supported on a tray. The conveyor moves the trays from the interface along a track to several processing stations. The processing stations are accessed from an enclosed area adjoining the interface section.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated lifting and transferring apparatus designed to facilitate the lifting and transfer process of a disabled person into and out of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having a vertical or semi-vertical electric or hydraulic extension arm, a mounting apparatus, a seat belt interlock system or foldaway safety arm, a support member along a plane having a horizontal component with option to pivot from its end point from a horizontal to a substantially vertical axis, and a seat surface with locking device pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle transports materials and equipment loaded onboard the vehicle to a desired location in an underground mine. A low profile frame is propelled by endless tracks which support a solid deck divided into a materials handling platform and an operator's station. The deck is open at the rearward end of the vehicle frame to facilitate loading and unloading of equipment and materials. A boom assembly is mounted at the front end of the frame adjacent to the operator's compartment. A free end of the boom assembly is connected to a suitable materials handling device. The materials handling device ranges from a hook mechanism for engaging and pulling heavy loads onto the deck to a bulldozer-type blade for pushing heavy equipment and loose materials off of the deck. The boom assembly includes a parallel spaced arrangement of piston cylinder assemblies.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a wafer transfer robot mount/demount cart for simply mounting and demounting a wafer transfer robot which is linearly, substantially horizontally reciprocated in a wafer transfer apparatus to transfer wafers. A pair of mount/demount cart-side rails 9 which can be connected to a pair of wafer transfer apparatus-side guide rails mounted inside a wafer transfer apparatus D is mounted on a raised portion 5 of the mount/demount cart A. A joint rail S is mounted in a gap between the pair of wafer transfer apparatus-side rails and the pair of mount/demount cart-side rails 9 so as to slide a wafer transfer robot R onto the pair of mount/demount cart-side rails 9 via the joint rail S.

Abstract: In a device for controlling the drive of mechanisms operating separately from one another, the object is to minimize the operating effort and expense of driving alternatively operating mechanisms. Furthermore, it is ensured by the device that the mechanisms are only allowed to be put into operation if they are in a specific state and that this state is maintained throughout their operation. The device has power transmission capabilities different from one another for adjusting the control system to different states of the mechanisms. Arrangements provided for this purpose operate in different settings, determined by control signals, of which a first setting prevents a power transmission and further settings respectively permit power transmission to one of the mechanisms. The arrangement for power transmission is equipped with a signal-receiving device, with which a reception of the control signals dependent on the state of the mechanisms takes place.

Abstract: A pallet shuttle for presenting pallets to and unloading pallets from a machining center. The pallet shuttle has tow pallet carriers capable of moving pallet to three positions. The motion of the pallet carriers is achieved by a combination of cylinders one of which couples the carriers to each other, and the other of which moves the carriers relative to the base to which the carriers are mounted. By having the capability to move pallets to three positions, the shuttle allows an operator to quickly and efficiently remove finished parts from and put raw parts into the machining center whenever the need arises. The three-position capability allows an operator to have raw parts ready and waiting.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart collection vehicle is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, and storing various types of carts and carriers. The vehicle may additionally include hydraulic lifters, lights, a slip clutch, an extendable carrying arm, carrying boom, a carrying ram, secondary support rods, rear cart retrieval, holding pins, holding bumps, holding numbs, roll bars, a windshield, an operator weather cover, removable cover, doors, side windows, and back window, and/or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a cart trailer includes a floor, side rails, loading ramp, holding pin, trailer hitch, and chain lock connector. An improved method of collecting shopping carts is disclosed wherein a shopping cart collection vehicle is used to pickup the shopping carts and return them to the store.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of minimizing catalyst degradation during the handling of a catalyst used in a slurry phase reactor. The methods include catalyst handling steps such as catalyst loading into a slurry phase reactor, slurry phase reactor start-up, slurry phase reactor shut-down, and slurry phase reactor unloading when catalyst reloading is envisaged. In the method of loading the slurry phase reactor, a slurry of wax and catalyst is formed in a loading vessel. Clean molten wax is formed in the reactor, syngas is pumped through the clean molten wax in the reactor, and the slurry from the loading vessel is transferred to the reactor.

Abstract: A device (10) for slitting sacks through the use of rotating blades or disks (12) comprises a housing (14) which accommodates at least one mechanically drivable shaft (16) on which blades or disks are mounted. The housing (14) has an inlet opening (18), through which the filled sacks are fed mechanically or under the action of gravity, and an outlet opening (20), through which the slit sacks and the material released from the sacks can be carried away under the action of gravity. Furthermore, a movable restraining apparatus (24) is driven by a drive assembly from a first position in which the restraining apparatus is in a covered state and prevents sacks from reaching the at least one cutting member to a second position in which the restaining apparatus is in a released state and allows sacks to reach the at least one cutting member.

Abstract: A person-guided vehicle (PGV) is provided for transporting and manipulating at least one carrier containing items such as semiconductor wafers to be loaded or unloaded at a load port. The PGV includes a wheeled cart having a frame configured to align with the load port. A carrier support assembly is mounted to the frame. The carrier support assembly includes a cradle configured to support the carrier, a lifting mechanism operative to raise and lower the cradle vertically, and a horizontal slide mechanism operative to move the cradle horizontally to and from a position outboard of the cart. A damping system is coupled to the cart and operative to dampen vibrations of the carrier in the carrier support assembly. One side of the cart is free of structural members to allow operator access to the carrier support assembly and to allow ready manipulation of the cart by the operator.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart collection vehicle, system, adapter, or device is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, and storing various types of carts, carriers, or the like. The vehicle may additionally include hydraulic lifters, lights, a slip clutch, an extendable carrying arm, carrying boom, a carrying ram, secondary support rods, rear cart retrieval, holding pins, holding bumps, holding numbs, rollbars, a windshield, an operator weather cover, removable cover, doors, side windows, and back window, and/or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a cart trailer includes a floor, side rails, loading ramp, holding pin, trailer hitch, and chain lock connector. An improved method of collecting shopping carts is disclosed wherein a shopping cart collection vehicle is used to pickup the shopping carts and return them to the store.

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: A light-weight log trailer with a centrally disposed grapple loader mounting area. The trailer can be hitched to a truck and moved along rough terrain as well as on roads and highways. The log trailer includes a substantially rectangular chassis having a truncated A-shaped forward section, a rectangular rear section, and a perimeter rail and floor beams made from steel C-channels that support the weight of a load of logs. The forward section has two parallel I-beams that contain a grapple-loader platform. The grapple loader can pick up logs and place them inside a three-sided log corral mounted on the rear section of the trailer. The log corral includes a steel post and wire screen barrier wall to protect the grapple loader from any logs.

Abstract: A wheelchair shifting aid, mounted on a base of a wheelchair, comprising a seat, a central gliding track, two connecting plates, and several lateral guiding tracks. The seat is mounted on an upper side of the base. The central gliding track is located between the base and the seat, guiding the seat towards a front side of the wheelchair, then towards left and right sides of the wheelchair. The two connecting plates are hingedly connected with the base on two sides thereof, being able to be placed in horizontal positions, forming a single plane with the base. The several lateral guiding tracks are placed on the two connecting plates, guiding the seat to glide on the connecting plates. Thus the seat is guided towards a lateral side of the wheelchair.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a wafer transfer robot mount/demount cart for simply mounting and demounting a wafer transfer robot which is linearly, substantially horizontally reciprocated in a wafer transfer apparatus to transfer wafers. A pair of mount/demount cart-side rails 9 which can be connected to a pair of wafer transfer apparatus-side guide rails mounted inside a wafer transfer apparatus D is mounted on a raised portion 5 of the mount/demount cart A. A joint rail S is mounted in a gap between the pair of wafer transfer apparatus-side rails and the pair of mount/demount cart-side rails 9 so as to slide a wafer transfer robot R onto the pair of mount/demount cart-side rails 9 via the joint rail S.

Abstract: An extendable loading floor for a motor vehicle has a supporting element which is fitted to the loading floor and can be adjusted along an associated supporting rail which extends in the pull-out direction and is connected to the vehicle. The loading floor is adjustable between a retracted position and en extended position.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart collection vehicle, system, adapter, or device is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, and storing various types of carts, carriers, or the like. The vehicle may additionally include hydraulic lifters, lights, a slip clutch, an extendable carrying arm, carrying boom, a carrying ram, secondary support rods, rear cart retrieval, holding pins, holding bumps, holding numbs, rollbars, a windshield, an operator weather cover, removable cover, doors, side windows, and back window, and/or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a cart trailer includes a floor, side rails, loading ramp, holding pin, trailer hitch, and chain lock connector. An improved method of collecting shopping carts is disclosed wherein a shopping cart collection vehicle is used to pickup the shopping carts and return them to the store.

Abstract: A cart for transporting objects includes a wheeled support structure, a carousel and at least first and second object supports. The carousel is rotatably mounted to the support structure. The object supports are mounted to the carousel. The respective object supports are located so as each to support a separate respective object at a separate respective location on a revolution of a carousel.

Abstract: A hydraulic ramp loader, track channel systems and methods for lifting, leveling, aligning, moving loading and unloading cargo on channel-dolly-pallets into a carrier equipped with a like track channel system, the ramp loader having a lifting hydraulic cylinder, a leveling hydraulic cylinder, a control means and an extendible and expandable interlocking track channel frame ramp.

Abstract: A trailer (10) for handling and rotating poultry cages (14,16) loaded by an automatic poultry catching device (12). The trailer (10) includes two rotating platforms (20,22) mounted to a chassis (18) for rotational movement about a single vertical axis extending through the chassis (18) and a turntable assembly (24) for rotating the platforms (20,22). The turntable assembly (24) rotates the rotating platforms (20,22) independently of one another so that one platform can be positioned in a poultry-loading position for loading poultry in the cages supported thereon and the other platform can be positioned in a cage-loading and unloading position for unloading the filled cages and replacing the filled cages with empty cages.

Abstract: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit. The upper surface of the bag is fabricated from one or more rigid panels which may be attached to the inside or outside of the upper surface of the bag. In one embodiment, the rigid panels are separate and operate independently from one another. In a second embodiment, the panels are attached via hinge mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and vehicle preferably a wheelchair (10) for transporting and transferring an invalid person is described. The wheelchair has first and second frames (12 and 48) with drive wheels (18) between which is provided a chair (82) or support (83). The first frame has top and bottom sliding mechanisms (34 and 36) which are mounted by I-beam extensions (38 and 40) to the bars (24 and 26) of the first frame. The second frame has top and bottom rails (54 and 56) which are slidably connected to the sliding mechanisms of the first frame. The rails have slots (78) through which extend the center portions (38C and 40C) of the extensions which allow the first frame to move along the length of the rails. The bottom rails have front wheels (60), intermediate wheels (68) and stabilizing wheels (70). The chair is connected to the second frame by belts (84) and ratchets (86) and has a lifting system (90).

Abstract: A boom accessory for a flatbed tow truck includes a frame that is lockable onto a power underlift hoist of the truck by retraction of a ram of the hoist against the frame. The frame includes a base for engagement on the ram, an upwardly and rearwardly extending boom member, and optionally, a rearwardly facing trailer hitch socket for permitting trailers to be towed with the boom accessory in place. A sheave assembly is pivotally mountable atop the boom member for engaging a hook cable extending from a winch unit of the truck, the accessory extending the utility of the tow truck by enabling retrieval of disabled vehicles from relatively remote locations, the accessory having a particularly robust attachment to the tow truck without significant modification of the truck.

Abstract: A passenger lift (10) is provided for loading a passenger (12) into and out of an aircraft (14). Lift (10) includes a chassis (38) having a front (34) end and a back (36) end. A plurality of wheels (62 and 63) are attached to the chassis (38) providing devices for moving the lift (10). The lift (10) also includes an electrical energy source (70) for providing electrical energy, and an energy converter (104) for translating the electrical energy from the electrical energy source (70) to mechanical energy. The lift (10) includes a rear support (40) generally perpendicular to the chassis (38) and attached to the back end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) has a basket (48) for holding the passenger (12) while the passenger is raised and lowered with the lift (10) and (48) is located at the front end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) includes a pair of lift arms (44) for lifting the basket (48), and a pair of stabilizing arms (42) for providing stability to the basket (48).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at a trailer, especially a boat trailer, which includes a chassis supported by wheels and a coupling device in the front for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle. A two-armed lever consists of arms which form an angle with each other and is pivoted in an axis of rotation which is oriented transversely at the back of the trailer. The first arm of the lever, which mainly points forward from the axis of rotation has a length that exceeds or falls below the length of the other arm of the lever. The two lever-arms comprise parallel arm elements, whose ends are connected to the ends of the axis of rotation and which at their outer ends are lined by transversal beams. A winch tower with a winch is provided at the front end of the trailer. The wire of the winch is adapted to run over the outer ends of the lever-arms and in its end is provided with lifting devices for the objects.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a tarp loader and related method, that is, a device which deploys a tarp to cover a receptacle having an open top, e.g., an open vehicle bed, while simultaneously loading various materials into the receptacle. The material to be loaded is placed on the surface of the tarp and the tarp is then wound onto a roller. As the tarp is wound onto the roller, the tarp carries the material up and over the side wall of the receptacle. The loading procedure is complete when the tarp is stretched taut across the open top of the receptacle. In an alternate embodiment, the tarp loader is configured so that a loading and unloading operation are both possible. As the tarp is deployed, material is carried into the receptacle as the tarp is wound onto a roller which is mounted on a pair of pivot arms. For unloading, the tarp is again wound on the roller, the tarp carrying the material up and over the side wall of the receptacle and depositing it adjacent thereto.