Abstract: The loading and unloading of large items such as shipping containers from vehicles is accomplished with a lifting and transferring unit at each end of the vehicle. Each unit has a lifting post (3) slidable on a transverse track (7), and a foldable track extension (12) to extend the track (7) laterally of the vehicle. Hydraulic rams (5,6) swing the track to its extended position and locate the lifting post in its position. A hydraulic ram (4) lifts the container (1) by lifting chains (17).

Abstract: A container loader and transport assembly is disclosed which includes a horizontal bed formed for support of a container thereon during transport of the container and loader formed for lifting the container onto the bed from a support surface and lowering the container from the bed to the support surface. The loader is movably mounted to the bed and preferably includes a movable carriage and a lifting mechanism mounted to the carriage. The loader is formed to lift the container and lower it while maintaining the container in substantially horizontal orientation and preferably the carriage is mounted for translation on a pair of extensible rails that can be extended and retracted from an end or from the sides of the container support bed. A method for employing the motor and transport assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system for use at a pipe manufacturing facility includes a computer and memory; a storage/retrieval crane operable in a storage yard; a plurality of containers, each being capable of containing material for storage and a load crane for at least one of loading or unloading respective containers. The computer is on-site proximate the storage yard and includes means for monitoring and controlling the storage/retrieval crane and load crane, means for monitoring and storing in memory information of container positions in the storage yard and means for coordinating operation of the storage/retrieval crane and load crane. The crane stores and retrieves containers in the yard in a three dimensional array, can carry containers on the crane feet, and may deliver or retrieve containers relative to load/unload stations including a load crane. At such stations pipe is transferred between containers and the load crane.

Abstract: A self-loading dump body truck comprising a vehicle having a frame, first and second cross members mounted on the frame, the first cross member being positioned near the rear of the vehicle and the second cross member being positioned forwardly of the first cross member, a cargo box pivotally connected to the first cross member and being supported by the second cross member in a lowered positioned, and inverted U-shaped boom member pivotally connected to the first cross member, the cargo box and the boom member having a common pivot axis, a hydraulic cylinder for pivoting the boom member with respect to the frame, a slide connected to the boom member and slidably engaging the cargo box for movement with respect to the cargo box as the boom member is pivoted, and a connecting arrangement for selectively connecting the slide to the cargo box for pivoting the cargo box as the boom member is pivoted.

Abstract: A vehicle has container handling apparatus at each end. This apparatus has a pedestal with track arms which with the pedestal form a lateral trackway on which a carriage can run, for lifting, traversing and lowering a container. Each track arm in the operative position is supported by an over-center toggle-jointed arm. The toggle arms are moved by relatively small and relatively low pressure hydraulic rams. In the over-center position of the arms each is locked by a short shaft mounted by the lower toggle joint and engaging with an edge of the upper toggle joint.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted to be mounted on the bed of a towing vehicle for lifting and towing disabled vehicles, particularly large vehicles. The apparatus includes an extendible boom disposed for positioning beneath the disabled vehicle and retracted for moving the disabled vehicle close to the rear of the towing vehicle. The boom is pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis on an elevator from a vertically disposed storage position to its operative position, the elevator being slidably mounted in slideways for vertical movement between the storage position and the operative positions. The elevator is supported by an extendible beam which is vertically driven for raising and lowering the elevator and which is extendible for varying the angular inclination of the elevator which may pivot relative to the slideways.

Abstract: A beam and chain hoist assembly is provided including a longitudinally extending support beam having longitudinally spaced bearing surfaces adapted to engage support portions of the cab of an overland vehicle. The support beam is bifurcated at its front end to straddle the windshield post and is provided with lengthwise adjustment at its rear end. A carriage is provided having wheels adapted to move along the beam and carry the transmission longitudinally and first and second stops are provided on the beam to limit the travel of the carriage between a first position located generally above the transmission and a second position longitudinally spaced from the first position where the transmission may be removed from the cab of the vehicle. A chain hoist is suspended from the carriage including a saddle connector attachable to the transmission, and allowing it to move longitudinally, whereby an operator may raise, lower and longitudinally move the transmission with a minimal amount of effort.

Abstract: A rolling base assembly for truck cranes which allows movement of the truck crane under load-carrying conditions. The device comprises a fixed chain installed along the centerline of a flatbed trailer. A rolling base, having outboard roller housing assemblies, is caused to crawl along the fixed chain by means of motor driven sprocket devices attached to the rolling base. The roller housing assemblies are designed to move along the standard I-beam construction of a flatbed truck.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a wheelchair into and out of an automobile under the control of a disabled person using the wheelchair. The apparatus comprises a wheelchair supporting assembly secured to the interior roof of the automobile rearwardly of the driver's seat, the wheelchair supporting assembly being movable generally laterally inwardly and outwardly of the automobile when the driver's door is open and having means at its outer end for engaging and lifting the wheelchair. When the disabled person approaches an automobile in the wheelchair, he opens the driver's door, moves the wheelchair close to the automobile and positions himself on the driver's seat in the automobile. Thereafter, he actuates suitable control means on the dashboard to extend the wheelchair supporting assembly laterally outwardly of the automobile.

Abstract: A load handling apparatus has two spaced telescopic pedestals mounted on a vehicle. Each pedestal has a center top member at each end of which is pivotally mounted a respective arm. The arms are each movable in a vertical plane at right angles to the length direction of the vehicle, downwardly into a stowed, inoperative position in which the arms lie alongside a pedestal. Carriages carry between them a load-supporting beam and run on trackways.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for raising elongated objects, especially for raising pipes and the like to a ceiling structure in the construction of a building. The vehicle has a pair of transversely extending support stands and a lift such as a scissors lift adjacent each. On top of each lift is a saddle for supporting an object to be raised and a transversely extendable rod with a hook end. A platform may be removably attached to each lift. In the method of operation of the invention to lift an elongated pipe, the rod and the lifts are utilized to engage a pipe in a stockpile and lift the same onto the support stands. Thereafter the lifts are lowered, the elongated pipe is rolled to be over the saddles of the lifts, and the lifts are raised to raise the pipe up to its desired position in the ceiling structure.

Abstract: A mechanized store includes a plurality of cells for storing containers, disposed side by side in horizontal and vertical rows along at least one passage and open on their sides facing the passage, a transporter-elevator device including a first support structure movable horizontally along the passage, a second support structure movable vertically on the first support structure, and a moving device carried by the second support structure and arranged to insert articles into, or take up articles from, the storage cells. A transfer station for articles which is located outside the passage and can be accessed by the transporter-elevator device to allow the loading onto the latter of each article intended to be placed in a corresponding storage cell, and the discharge from the transporter-elevator device of each article intended to be sent to the exit of the store.

Abstract: A mobile ballast cleaning machine comprising a frame mounted on two undercarriages for mobility along a track supported on the ballast resting on a subgrade, a ballast excavating means mounted on the frame between the track to expose the subgrade, a ballast screening means arranged on the frame to receive the removed ballast from the ballast excavating means and to discharge cleaned ballast and waste, conveyor band means for carrying away the waste and for redistributing the cleaned ballast, the ballast redistributing conveyor band means having a discharge end and a zone being defined between the ballast excavating means and the discharge end for laying a succession of rigid foam plates on the exposed subgrade, and apparatus for handling the rigid foam plates, the apparatus including a plate receiving and transfer station, an elongated plate conveying path extending from the station to the zone and a plate turning and laying mechanism receiving successive ones of the rigid foam plates from the conveying path

Abstract: Material handling apparatus for a trailer having opposed sidewalls is disclosed in the application. Support brackets are positioned on the opposed sidewalls of the trailer. A frame is moveably positioned on the support brackets. The frame is capable of moving said support brackets in a direction that is substantially parallel to the sidewalls of the trailer. A lifting frame is moveably positioned on the frame. A hoist is positioned on the lifting frame and the hoist is capable of moving in a direction substantially parallel to and substantially perpendicular to the opposed sidewalls of the trailer. The hoist is capable of lifting objects that are to be transported in the trailer whereby said objects are lifted and said lifting frame, hoist and frame can be moved with respect to said trailer for loading and unloading the objects.

Abstract: The driver's cab and the rearloading, trash compactor of a conventional compactor vehicle are mounted on an elongated frame to provide a central, longitudinally-extending, space for separated discards collection apparatus. A single vehicle, small crew and a single stop thus enables both resource recovery and refuse collection. A power telescopable paper rack, is located between a power dump glass bucket and a power dump can bucket on one side of the space with access at curbside level and a glass bin and can bin are roll supported on the other side of the space for off loading laterally when filled.

Abstract: A loading apparatus is operable to load or unload a secondary vehicle usable by a handicapped person to and from the rear passenger compartment of a four-door automobile. The secondary vehicle, a single passenger battery powered three wheel vehicle, is longer than the width of the rear door opening and the loading apparatus automatically swings the secondary vehicle during the process to pass endwise through the rear door opening and to be located parallel to the automobile when grounded at the beginning of the loading operation and at the conclusion of the unloading operation.

Abstract: A load handling apparatus includes a vehicle, a pair of mounting frames each hingedly mounting a pedestal for movement from an inoperative position, in which the pedestals are folded down horizontally about hinges so as to lie lengthwise of the vehicle, to an operative upright position. Each pedestal mounts a respective transverse foldable track which in use extends horizontally and on which a respective carriage is movable. Each carriage mounts a vertical telescopic mast with a head and chains, such that telescopic operation of the masts raises or lowers top lift beams for handling a load. The apparatus includes laterally movable jacks for use as stabilizers. In the inoperative position with the pedestals, tracks and masts folded down horizontally and lengthwise, the vehicle is of compact height and width.

Abstract: An inverted U-shaped boom is pivotally mounted adjacent the trailing end of a pickup truck bed so as to be movable between a rest position lying entirely within the confines of the truck bed and an operative position inclining upwardly and rearwardly so as to partially overhang the trailing end of the truck bed. A pair of hydraulic cylinders interconnect the boom with stanchions on which the boom is pivotally mounted and are operative to move the boom between the rest and operative positions. A winch is disposed along an upper portion of the boom and includes means for attachment to an article which is to be moved into or out of the truck bed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a support frame for a trailer having opposed side walls. At least one channel is positioned on the opposed side walls of the trailer. A substantially L-shaped bracket having a first leg and a second leg is secured to the channel. The first leg of the bracket extends over and engages the channel and the second leg of the bracket extends along the surface of the channel. A support surface is attached to the second leg of the bracket and the support surface extends from the surface of the second leg in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the second leg. The support surface is disposed in the trailer for supporting loading structure between the opposed side walls of the trailer.

Abstract: A device for vertical and/or horizontal transport of loads into and out of a vehicle or the like and particularly intended to enable disabled wheel chair bound persons to be transferred into and out of a passenger car and comprising a tubular supporting member attached to the car in connection to the vehicle roof and in the lateral direction of the vehicle and being intended to support a supporting arm cooperating telescopically with the supporting member and being displaceable along the supporting member. The supporting arm is adapted to be moveable laterally between a position entirely inside the side of the vehicle and positions outside the side of the vehicle, and the electrically powered lifting device is arranged to be suspended from said supporting arm. It is hereby possible for the disabled himself to load and unload himself and/or his wheel chair and the like in and out of the car resp.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the butt-ends of two rails to be connected has a fixed frame for enclosing one of the two rails and two integral bars, parallel to the rails, and extending from the fixed frame toward the other rail. Two movable frames are slidable over a limited portion of the parallel bars in the vicinity of the other rail and can be selectively secured to the other rail so that only one of these two frames is slidably movable. Jacks are provided to effect relative movement between the two movable frames. Actuation of the jacks effects movement of the two movable frames relative to each other and, depending upon which of these frames is secured to the parallel bars, the gap between the two butt-ends will be either increased or decreased.

Abstract: A frame assembly is secured within an open topped truck box and includes a pair of side frames and head rack at the front of said truck box. A lifting yoke is mounted on rollers between the side frames and when in the elevated or winching position, it can be rolled along the side frames from a forward position to a rearward position and vice versa and a winch assembly is mounted upon the lifting yoke for loading and unloading items upon or from the truck box. Brake clamps are provided to lock the lifting yoke in position along the side frames. When not in use, the lifting yoke may be stored by pivoting the yoke forwardly until it lies upon the outer sides of the side frame whereupon it is detachably locked to the head rack. By routing the winch cable around pulleys on the yoke and on the side frame assembly, the winch can be used to partially elevate the lifting yoke from the stored position to adjacent the winching position and vice versa.

Abstract: A scale testing vehicle for transporting certified weights and depositing them on the platform of truck scales, the vehicle body having a pair of rails supported above a truck bed carrying the weights and having a trolley carried by the rails for movement fore and aft. A cable is looped over pulleys at each end of the rail and is attached at one end to the trolley with its free end passing over a sheave on the trolley and supporting a bar having hooks for attaching to the weights. One of the pulleys may be moved to change the cable loop length, thereby raising or lowering the weights supported on the hooks. The bar has a counterweight which pivots the hooks when the weights are not supported therefrom so that the hooks clear the weights when moved horizontally. Hydraulic output from a truck engine driven pump is used to traverse the trolley as well as to raise and lower the weights so that transfer between truck and scale may be expeditiously accomplished.

Abstract: A weight handling vehicle having a rear cargo compartment with a bed and side walls. A frame adjacent the sidewalls supports a carriage that moves horizontally along the top of the frame and telescopes out the rearward end of the vehicle. A trolley, supporting a hoist for lifting the weight units, moves on the carriage and, when used in tandem with the telescoping carriage, transfers weight units from within the rear cargo compartment to a point exterior of and spaced apart from the rearward end of the cargo compartment.

Abstract: The invention is an improved portable hoist frame for use in automotive and other type work that requires a frame from which to hang a hoist to lift automotive components and other objects. The portable frame consists of detachable elements for a knock-down disassembly to facilitate transportation and handling thereof. The disassembly can be into four major subassemblies or further disassembled into individual members. Four wheel-like rollers on the frame permit movement on a base or framework of equipment on which work is being performed. Four clip-like attachments prevent sidewise movement of the frame during use. A hoist is attached to the top member of the assembled frame.

Abstract: A wheel chair hoist assembly for a vehicle having a body and a roof comprising a transverse support bar within the body secured to the roof. A mount tube with a depending winch mount bracket is reciprocably and slidably supported upon the support bar. A tubular boom, normally positioned within the body, is parallel to and secured to the mount tube and adapted for sliding projection outwardly of the body. A power winch having a drum is supported on the bracket and includes a cable around the drum guidably projected through the boom with its free end mounting a hook adapted to supportably engage a collapsed wheel chair. A manual switch is connected to a power source to energize the winch to elevate the wheel chair, and the boom is manually projected successively inward transferring the wheel chair into the body.

Abstract: A pallet loader particularly suitable for use in loading pallets onto a truck comprises a guide structure mounted at the loading end of the truck and a slide frame slidably mounted in the guide structure and an elevator mechanism mounted at one end of the slide frame. The slide member is slidably mounted on the guide structure for movement between an extended position in which the elevator mechanism is disposed outwardly from the loading end of the truck and a retracted position in which the elevator mechanism is disposed in an overlying relationship with respect to the bed of the truck. The elevator mechanism is operable when the slide frame is in the extended position to engage and raise and lower unattached load units. The slide frame is provided with a drive mechanism for driving it longitudinally of the frame so as to move palletized load units carried thereby longitudinally onto and off of the loading end of the truck.

Abstract: A hoist for loading and unloading cargo through a side or rear doorway of a van or truck slides from a stored position completely inside the vehicle to an operating position with a lift platform outside the vehicle that can be lowered and raised by an electric winch connected to the platform by cables. The hoist has a pair of generally horizontal telescoping parallel beams guiding a sliding yoke movable by means of the winch to raise and lower the platform through cable runs secured to arms extending from posts at both sides of the platform. Pivoting side support beams cooperating with stop members upon extension to operating position, and other safety features prevent improper operation. If very heavy loads are to be lifted on to a small vehicle, it may be desirable to brace the vehicle, as by means of a jack at or near the location of the lift platform to avoid tilting the vehicle.

Abstract: A weather-protected, self-loading car-top carrier adapted to transport bulky loads and described in an embodiment suited for the transport of small motorized vehicles such as used by handicapped persons comprises a fixed rail assembly and a weather-protected carrier which, in response to operator control, moves along the rail assembly to provide access to a weather-protected storage space encompassed by the carriage assembly and includes provision for the automatic loading, under operator control, of bulky, heavy, awkward loads which would be difficult to handle by most persons and essentially impossible by one having limited or no use of their lower limbs.

Abstract: A self-loading, weather protected carrier for raising or lowering an object to and from the top of a motor vehicle and for transporting the object on a motor vehicle. The carrier comprises a horizontally disposed base adapted to be mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle and having a transverse guide affixed thereto, a carriage extendably carried by transverse guide and movable at a vehicle top level between a load/unload position and a travel position, a generally L-shaped tilt frame, pivotally mounted on carriage and rotatable between a generally upright position for loading and unloading the object and a generally horizontal position for storing the object on motor vehicle, a linkage mechanism attached to tilt frame and responsive to the carriage being extended into the load/unload position to rotate tilt frame to upright loading position, and a hoist mounted on the tilt frame for raising and lowering the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a load into and out of the bed or load receiving space of a pickup truck or other cargo hauling vehicle employs base structure mountable on the vehicle, horizontally reciprocable boom structure carried by the base structure, winch structure carried by the boom structure adjacent the distal extremity of the latter, and selectively actuatable mechanisms associated with the base structure and respectively coupled with the boom and winch structures for operating the latter independently to accomplish vertical lifting or lowering and horizontal movement in either direction of a load during emplacement or removal of same relative to the load receiving space along a path having limited clearance as compared with the size of the load.

Abstract: A railroad vehicle is constructed with a platform for supporting containers and with a device for moving the containers laterally off and on the platform. The device also includes a pair of supporting frames on the ends of the platform with a jib pivotally mounted on each supporting frame and movable between a swung-in position along the platform and a swung-out position extending laterally outwardly from the platform. Each supporting frame and jib form a trackway. A crane bridge extends between the trackways and supports a loading frame. Further, a device is pivotally connected to each supporting frame for supporting the jib in the swung-out position.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted crane assembly has an elongate bolster member extending transversely of the vehicle. An elongate extension member is hingedly mounted at one end of the bolster member for swinging movement from an operative horizontal position to an inoperative position in which the extension member is inclined upwardly from the hinge mounting at an angle which is more than 90.degree. and up to 130.degree. to the horizontal. The extension member is movable between its operative and inoperative positions by a hydraulic ram which is mounted by the extension member. The ram piston rod is connected to one end of an elongate link by a first pivotal connection. The other end of the link is connected to the bolster member by a second pivotal connection.

Abstract: A traversing hoist mechanism driven by a vehicle prime mover is drivingly interconnected with a fluid power drive transmission comprising a pump which is drivingly connected to a pair of fixed displacement hydraulic motors connected in a series arrangement for driving the pumps at the same speed; whereby the fluid power drive transmission effectively moves the hoist trolley assembly fore and aft in addition to raising and lowering a lifting apparatus. A unique control line assembly allows the operator to have complete control of the fluid power drive transmission even while standing on ground level adjacent the rear of the vehicle or at any point along at least one side-wall of the cargo area, thereby permitting greater flexibility of control.

Abstract: A loading and unloading apparatus for a van of a type including a framework within the van for slideably supporting a beam. A winch is moveably disposed on the beam for allowing an object to be loaded to be hoisted upwardly when the beam and hoist extend outside of the van; and, then the object can be moved into the van by movement of the beam into the van and movement of the winch and object along the beam in the same direction. Once the object is properly positioned within the van, it can be lowered to the floor of the van for support. Upon reaching the destination for the object, the winch is again used to raise the object off of the floor, whereupon the object is manually pushed out of the van causing movement of the beam and movement of the winch along the beam. Once the object is outside of the van, it can then be lowered to the ground by further use of the winch.

Abstract: Hoist apparatus of the type adapted to be mounted on a truck adjacent the truck bed, leaving the truck bed clear, for use in unloading or loading the truck or the like, and comprising a boom, hoist means on said boom, a vertical support column, said boom being mounted on the upper end of said column, and said support column being rotatably mounted for rotating said boom, drive gear means located adjacent the lower end of said support column, rack means meshing with said drive gear means, guide means for guiding movement of said rack to and fro relative to said drive gear, housing means supporting said vertical column, and at least partially embracing said drive gear and supporting said guide means, and power operated means connected with said rack, and mounted on said housing, for driving said rack to and fro.