Abstract: A powered vehicular wheelchair lift with an automatic folding platform assembly for persons who are physically challenged or otherwise have limited mobility. The wheelchair lift is used in conjunction with a vehicle having an opening and a floor. The wheelchair lift includes a mounting assembly mounted to the vehicle floor adjacent to the vehicle opening. A power actuating system includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted on opposite sides of a pair of relative parallelogram linkage structures of the wheelchair lift. The wheelchair lift has a foldable platform assembly which includes two platform plates pivotably connected along their adjacent transverse edges, where the platform assembly moves from a stowed position inside the vehicle to an entry position at the vehicle opening and inversely (i.e., from the entry level position to the stowed position), and moves the platform assembly between the entry level position and a ground level position outside the vehicle and inversely (i.e.

Abstract: Vehicle mounted container handling devices including a rotating swivel mount and an articulated arm connected to the swivel mount are disclosed. The swivel mount includes a housing operable to rotate about a shaft in a first plane. The articulated arm is attached at one end to the housing and disposed to pivot in a second plane which intersects the first plane. A grasping device is pivotally connected to the free end of the articulated arm for pivoting in the second plane. In operation, with the grasping device opened, the articulated arm is extended to reach out toward a container of interest. The swivel mount is operated to pivot the articulated arm as required for the grasping device to engage the container. The articulated arm is operated further to lift and dump the container in the vehicle above the swivel mount. The grasping device includes arms pivotally connected to a support member and moved by actuators pivotally connected between the arms and the support member.

Abstract: A ladder rack providing for easier loading, unloading, and storage of a ladder. The ladder rack preferably has a pivot and a carriage mounted upon one or more arms attached to the pivot. A ladder is placed upon the carriage which can then be rotated via the pivot and arms (and preferably using a ratchet assembly) from a loading and unloading position to a stowage position separated by an obtuse angle. In some preferred vehicular applications, the unloading and loading position is beside the vehicle while the stowage position is over or above the vehicle. Also preferably, the carriage substantially overlies the ladder when in the stowage position, thereby providing for immediate and effective security against ladder theft as well as a compact ladder storage arrangement. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also employ a carriage that is slidable along the arms. This carriage has a rung grip which is separated a distance along the ladder rack from an opposed rung grip.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift is mounted in a vehicle doorway and provided with at least three distinct modes in which a supporting platform can be moved. The platform is affixed to vertical standards guided by parallelogram linkages between the standards and fixed posts mounted in the vehicle doorway. The parallelogram linkages hold the standards at a fixed orientation relative to the posts and keeps the platform horizontal as it is raised or lowered between ground level and the level of the vehicle passenger compartment. The platform is pivotable on a horizontal axis at the connection between the platform and the movable standards such that the platform can be raised from a horizontal wheelchair-carrying orientation to a compact vertical orientation in which the platform is stowed in the plane of the vertical standards, which are disposed against or between the fixed posts. The platform also is attached to the vertical standards on a vertical axis so as to hinge in the manner of a gate to clear the doorway for passage.

Abstract: Multipanel rollstops mountable on the outboard end of a wheelchair lift platform in which at least one upper panel of the rollstop folds down or telescopes to reduce the rollstop profile for stowage. Preferred embodiments include bifold, trifold or telescoping rollstops for underfloor or under vehicle lifts. In the extended multipanel position, rollstops of the invention provide increased rollstop height and occupant security in the intermediate and transfer positions of the lift as compared to non-folding or telescoping rollstops of the same stowage profile. The folding of telescoping of the rollstop is automatic upon lift stowage. In a preferred embodiment, the rollstop upper panel is folded or unfolded by a direction-reversing mechanical actuator through a contact arm which engages structure of the lift or stowage compartment, and operates automatically without requiring operator intervention.

Abstract: A hay bale carrier has a horizontal U-shaped wheel supported frame. The frame is comprised of separate parallel arms, with the arms being connected by a forward cross beam. A hollow tongue extends forwardly from the frame and has an elongated tongue member slidably mounted therein with its forward end protruding from the forward end of the tongue. A post structure is pivotally secured to the cross beam and has at least one bale penetrating bar secured thereto and extending in a rearward direction. A first pulley is located on the upper end of the post structure, a second pulley is located on the forward end of the tongue, and a third pulley is located rearwardly of the tongue. An elongated cable has one end secured to the tongue and is thence threadable about the first, second and third cables with a second end secured to the tongue member.

Abstract: A dual function, inboard barrier/bridgeplate assembly for wheelchair lifts having a stowable platform, the barrier being pivotably secured to the inboard end of the lift platform, which barrier is actuated by a link to variously raise the barrier to a safety position and lower it to a bridging position in accordance with the position of the platform. The dual function barrier/bridgeplate system is particularly useful in combination with a parallelogram type lift employing an articulated lever assembly having a sliding block for leveraging the platform from a horizontal transfer orientation to a vertical, or over-vertical stowage position.

Abstract: A storable ramp assembly for use with carrier vehicles such as light van is described herein. The storable ramp comprises a panel assembly hingedly mounted between first and second generally parallel longitudinal end members. The panel assembly includes a plurality of longitudinal intermediate panels hingedly mounted side by side so as to render the panel assembly accordion foldable. The storable ramp assembly further include a deployment mechanism in the form of a pivoting bar pivotally mounted to the first end member and slidably mounted to the second end member. The pivoting bar is used to position the first and second end members between a close and a spaced relationship. When the end members are in a close relationship, the intermediate panels are layered and the ramp assembly is in a storing configuration. Concurrently, when the end members are in a spaced relationship, the intermediate panels are oriented so as to form a generally continuous plane and the ramp assembly is in an operating configuration.

Abstract: A mechanism for loading and unloading a container onto a tray attached or attachable to a track or trailer vehicle. The mechanism includes a transverse assembly at each end of the tray, each assembly incorporating a centrally mounted telescoping boom, a lower part of which incorporates an extension to which opposed hydraulic rams are linked. The hydraulic rams control the swinging movement of the boom when one retracts and the other extends.

Abstract: A lift for lifting heavy items onto the bed of a motor vehicle, whereby the lift is portable and removably attached to the motor vehicle via a receiver hitch. The entire lift hitch is slid into place on the receiver hitch for common towing ball structures that are on some motor vehicles or are readily available on all motor vehicle. The lift hitch does not require removal of the vehicle tailgate or permanent attachments to the vehicle frame or bumper. The lift hitch forks or platform can be lowered to ground level and raised to the tailgate level. The lifting and lowering mechanism can be an electric motor, hydraulic system, or hand turned ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A tree skidder transport machine and method wherein the machine has a hydraulically operated boom assembly extending rearwardly of a chassis. The boom assembly includes a main boom and a stick boom which cooperate hydraulically to lift the bottom end of a tree, or tree bunch, near the butt, and drag it forwardly over a bogied pair of chassis support wheels. With the further cooperation of a hydraulically actuated heel boom, the tree or tree bunch is then rotated vertically in a counterclockwise direction to lift its top end off the ground and move the tree or tree bunch forwardly a sufficient distance to bring some of the weight of the tree or tree bunch onto the front wheels of the machine.

Abstract: A system for manipulating and transporting relatively large, flat, heavy tabular articles such as portable folding conference tables and construction materials such as plywood or plasterboard sheets comprises a leveraging dolly for lifting an article from a horizontally oriented position at a first location to a vertically oriented position in which the article may be rolled on the dolly to a second location, and a racking cart for receiving and transporting a plurality of articles individually loadable from and onto the leveraging dolly which includes a base rollaby supported by a pair of laterally spaced apart casters, one having a horizontally disposed axle fixed with respect to the base, and the other having a horizontally disposed axle rotatable in a horizontal plane on a vertically disposed swivel attached to the base.

Abstract: A dual function, inboard barrier/bridgeplate assembly for wheelchair lifts having a stowable platform, the barrier being pivotably secured to the inboard end of the lift platform, which barrier is actuated by a link to variously raise the barrier to a safety position and lower it to a bridging position in accordance with the position of the platform. The dual function barrier/bridgeplate system is particularly useful in combination with a parallelogram type lift employing an articulated lever assembly having a sliding block for leveraging the platform from a horizontal transfer orientation to a vertical, or over-vertical stowage position.

Abstract: An hydraulically operated fork lift device adapted to be installed within the bed of a conventional pickup truck, wherein the horizontal movement of the fork is provided by movement of the truck. When the device is not in use, it is disposed above the forward portion of the truck bed.

Abstract: A vehicular wheelchair lift with a power controlled safety barrier for physically blocking a wheelchair from inadvertently rolling off a platform of the wheelchair lift during use. The power safety barrier utilizes a linkage mechanism to open or close a roll stop. The linkage mechanism includes a pair of linkage bars and a flexible linkage member to mechanically connect the roll stop to a power actuating device. The roll stop is pivotably mounted to an outer end of the platform. The roll stop is required to open and close relative to the platform according to the relative platform positions. When the platform is in the ground position, the roll stop is opened substantially in a horizontal plane and is an extension of the platform for unloading the wheelchair. In the powered control aspects, during the wheelchair lift transition period when platform is off the ground position, the roll stop is actuated to the closed position before the wheelchair lift can be operated.

Abstract: A lifting attachment is disclosed for use in conjunction with a trailer hitch mounted to a vehicle. The lifting attachment includes a support assembly which is detachably connected to the trailer hitch and this support assembly includes a vertically extending support beam. The attachment includes a platform having a generally planar top and an elongated arm having one end pivotally connected to the platform and a second end pivotally connected to the support beam. A hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly is pivotally connected between the support beam and an intermediate point on the arm so that extension and retraction of the piston within the cylinder selectively raises and lowers the platform.

Abstract: A device includes a handling structure which has an end portion and a remaining part. The device also includes a driving arrangement which drives the handling structure between (i) a position of transportation in which the remaining part is disposed along a chassis of the vehicle and in which the end portion is at the front, and (ii) a position of picking up a load or placing it on the ground where the end portion is at the rear of the remaining part and behind the vehicle with its free end at a certain height with respect to the ground, in order to cooperate with a load whose gripping means is lower. In addition, the device includes a connecting arrangement which connects the free end of the end portion to the gripping arrangement and a controlling arrangement which controls the distance between the gripping arrangement and the end of the end portion using which the later is attached to the remainder of the handling structure.

Abstract: A load-bearing hoist (10) to lift and load game or other objects. The hoist (10) is particularly adapted for attachment to an ATV. The hoist (10) includes a 360 degree rotating horizontal boom (11) attached to a two-piece telescoping vertical shaft (28). The two-piece telescoping vertical shaft (28) allows the height of the boom (11) to be varied. The hoist (10) is attached to the ATV by a base plate (31) and support sleeve (13) which allows the hoist (10) to be supported in a vertical position and removes any weight load from the ATV. The base (16) of the hoist (10) can be used to carry a hunter's tree climber stand or gun case.

Abstract: A truck deck mounted cargo handling apparatus has a cargo carrier movable from a transport position resting upon a support frame to a loading and unloading position resting at ground level. In operation secondary lifting arms are moved to a lifting position by secondary actuators to move a first end of the cargo carrier toward a second end of the support frame. Primary lifting arms are then moved by primary actuators through a range of motion of at least 110 degrees to push the first end of the cargo carrier past the second end of the support frame and lower the cargo carrier to ground level.

Abstract: A system for covering a transport container is disclosed which is especially useful with a load lugger or retriever type truck. The system provides a cover storage assembly which may be operated to dispose a flexible container cover outwardly beyond the end of the transport vehicle and over a top of a transport container positioned behind the transport vehicle. An attachment mechanism on the outer end of the container serves to attach the flexible cover to the container prior to loading the container onto the transport vehicle. When the container is then loaded onto the transport vehicle, the cover storage assembly retracts the resulting excess cover length. After the transport container is loaded onto the vehicle, it may then be transported to its destination and unloaded. The cover may then be removed by unloading the container from the vehicle, and detaching the cover from the container. The cover storage assembly then retracts the cover from over the top of the container.

Abstract: A platform-type wheelchair lift for mounting in the stairwell of a vehicle, such as a bus or train. The wheelchair lift includes a platform frame that is movable from a retracted position in which it is stowed underneath the vehicle to an extended position in which it extends out from the side or back of the vehicle. A wheelchair platform is movably coupled to the platform frame by a parallelogram linkage that allows the wheelchair platform to move between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair platform includes foldable outer, side, and inner wheelchair barriers that prevent a wheelchair from moving off of the wheelchair platform during operation of the wheelchair lift. The outer and inner wheelchair barriers are capable of absorbing part of the energy of an impact between a wheelchair and the barriers and in ways cause barriers to fold out.

Abstract: An assembly which automatically opens the tailgate of a container when the container is tilted from a transport position to a dump position for rear dumping by a container transport vehicle is provided. The tailgate having a pair of side arms each of which is pivotally connected to a respective one of the side walls of the container such that the tailgate can rotate relative to the container between open and closed positions. The assembly of the present invention includes a counterbalance assembly which is pivotally connected to the frame of a container transport vehicle. The assembly also includes a hook member which is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the side arm of the tailgate and which has a free end. The counterbalance assembly including a hook pin and the free end of hook member being configured to engage the hook pin.

Abstract: A ladder rack adapted to be attached to a utility vehicles comprises front and rear four-bar linkages where each of the four-bar linkages comprises a base having a post projecting vertically therefrom, a ladder support member comprising a first straight bar or linkage member having a ladder support arm extending perpendicularly therefrom. A second linkage pivotally connects between the post and a first end portion of the first linkage member. Then, a dog-leg linkage having a first end pivotally attached to the first linkage member proximate its mid-point with the second end of the dog-leg linkage coupled to an elongated connecting rod that extends horizontally between the bases of the front and rear four-bar linkages. The connecting rod is journaled for rotation and when turned by a crank or motor transports ladders suspended on the ladder support arm from a position atop the vehicle to a position alongside the vehicle and vice versa.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for use in conjunction with a vehicle having a door opening and a floor. The wheelchair lift includes a foldable platform assembly having two platform plates hingeably connected along their adjacent edges which are automatically foldable and stowed at one side of the vehicle door opening.

Abstract: A safety barrier for wheelchair lifts is disclosed, and more particularly a safety barrier assembly which can be used singly or in opposed pairs to open automatically and mechanically in cafe-style, rotating 90.degree. from a first closed or barrier position to a second, open, pass-through position. More particularly, these barriers may be used as barriers on wheelchair lift platforms or at the door opening of a van or transit vehicles on which a wheelchair lift is mounted. The barriers typically are shaped like the letter P with the lower most barrier member being spaced from twelve inches to two feet above the floor, and which are designed to prevent wheelchairs from rolling out of the van when the platform has left the transfer level (vehicle floor), and as a safety barrier in the case of runaway wheelchair events. The preferred embodiment of the gate is mounted to a pivotal cam slot/bias spring assembly which provides for stable open and shut positions with spring/gravity assisted closure.

Abstract: Improvement in wheelchair lifts generally of the dual hydraulic parallelogram type employing a lever arm assembly which assists in the rotation of the platform from the stowed position to the horizontal deployed position, by providing a gas spring disposed in the lever arm assembly connected at an outboard end to the lifting mechanism link and at an inboard end to at least one of the A arm, the B arm or the common pivot pin of the lever arm assembly. The outward force of the gas spring causes the sliding shoe of the lever arm assembly to maintain contact with the outer face of the lower link of the lifting parallelogram so that upon deployment of the lift during the gravity down phase from stowed position to horizontal transfer position, the inboard end of the platform is pulled up so that it rotates smoothly and is not subjected to free fall.

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 means 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: A lifting device for attachment to a vehicle trailer hitch or the like. The device includes a hitch bar for attachment to the trailer hitch. A lateral extension arm is mounted on the hitch bar and a riser arm is rotatably mounted to the lateral extension arm. A boom arm is mounted on the riser arm, the boom arm having load attachment elements for attaching a load thereto. Also provided is a rotating element attached to the lateral extension arm and the boom arm for rotating the riser arm about the lateral extension arm to raise and lower the riser arm relative to the hitch bar. Raising and lowering of the riser arm moves the boom arm to transcribe a predetermined arc lying in a vertical plane. It is preferred to have the hitch bar centered on a platform centerline wherein the vertical plane intersects the centerline. The predetermined arc may be from about 130 degrees to about 150 degrees, and preferably 140 degrees, with respect to the bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An unity arm lever adaptor for use with a powered vehicular wheelchair lift. The unity arm lever adaptor is adapted for connecting together to a handrail, a vertical arm, a saddle or roller, and a vertical link of the wheelchair lift. The arm lever adaptor has an extended adaptor section, an elongated main section, and a pivotable yoke section. The main section has a pivotable end which is remote from the yoke section but adjacent to the extended adaptor section. The extended adaptor section is inserted through an opening on the vertical arm for adapting and securing to an end of the handrail. The pivotable end is pivotably connected to the vertical arm. The yoke section is pivotably connected to the saddle and the vertical link.

Abstract: A method, a container combination, and a container, wherein at least two containers are handled simultaneously by a vehicle's loading device. The containers can be handled separately by a loading device. The individual containers are connectable to one another to form a container combination and the container combination is lifted onto a vehicle and removed from the vehicle by making engaging devices of the loading device engage with a grasping component on a foremost container of the container combination.

Abstract: A platform-type wheelchair lift for mounting in the stairwell of a vehicle, such as a bus or train. The wheelchair lift includes a platform frame that is movable from a retracted position in which it is stowed underneath the vehicle to an extended position in which it extends out from the side or back of the vehicle. A wheelchair platform is movably coupled to the platform frame by a parallelogram linkage that allows the wheelchair platform to move between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair platform includes foldable outer, side, and inner wheelchair barriers that prevent a wheelchair from moving off of the wheelchair platform during operation of the wheelchair lift. The outer and inner wheelchair barriers are capable of absorbing part of the energy of an impact between a wheelchair and the barriers and in ways cause barriers to fold out.

Abstract: A loader arm assembly (10) includes a primary arm (11) pivotally mounted on a refuse collector (13) at or adjacent one of its ends, a secondary arm (15) connected to the other end of the primary arm (11), a grab assembly (17) connected to the other end of the secondary arm (15) and means for pivoting the primary arm (11) including a ram (31) connected to the point at which the primary arm (11) is connected to the refuse collector (13) and a cylinder (30) which has one link (32) connecting it to the refuse collector (13) and another link (33) connecting it to the primary arm.

Abstract: An improved towing vehicle for retrieving and/or transporting other vehicles such as vintage cars, disabled automobiles, or disabled trucks. The improved towing vehicle combines a rollback bed with a rear-mounted recovery boom that serves as both a conventional recovery boom and a wheel lift assembly. The improved wrecker truck of the present invention can thus transport two and possibly three vehicles at a time. The present invention also includes an improved rear-mounted multi-function recovery boom having a pivoting extension that greatly expands the towing vehicle's recovery and retrieval capabilities. Finally, the present invention includes a rollback bed that can be manipulated to a plurality of load positions, including a raised platform position in which the bed is raised to an elevated position over the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An improved multi-function loading and recovery apparatus for use with pallets, flat racks, containers and the like having a simple, effective design while enabling efficient operation in a wide variety of recovery operations. This multi-function loading and recovery apparatus utilizes a double pivoting tilt frame and self-locking L-arm, and also includes a unique inside-outside rail option, a collapsible bumper, forward-mounted rollers, an improved rear stabilizer and other features.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift, as for use with a vehicle, includes a platform for receiving a wheelchair carried as a pivot mechanism including two pairs of cooperating parallelogram structures adopted to be affixed to a vehicle for moving the platform between loading, entry and stowed positions by hydraulic actuation. A bridge plate structure is actuated by the pivot mechanism to be positioned as a bridge into the vehicle in the entry position, as a roll stop when a wheelchair is being carried and as a latch unit in the stowed position. A cam-cable mechanism actuates the bridge plate and the parallelogram structures of each pair are interlocked in moving between the stowed and entry positions.

Abstract: The winch apparatus includes a pair of telescoping support arms mounted at their base ends to brackets secured to an all-terrain vehicle. The mounting brackets provide for pivotal movement of the support arms about mutually perpendicular axes. The opposite ends of the support arms are pivotally connected to a winch support plate. By adjusting the length of the support arms, the winch support plate and winch carried thereby can be directed to one side whereby the handle for operating the winch and the support arms do not interfere with one another during loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: A platform-type wheelchair lift for mounting in the stairwell of a vehicle, such as a bus or train. The wheelchair lift includes a platform frame that is movable from a retracted position in which it is stowed underneath the vehicle to an extended position in which it extends out from the side or back of the vehicle. A wheelchair platform is movably coupled to the platform frame by a parallelogram linkage that allows the wheelchair platform to move between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair platform includes foldable outer and inner wheelchair barriers that prevent a wheelchair from moving off of the wheelchair platform during operation of the wheelchair lift. The wheelchair platform also includes a mechanical platform interlock mechanism. The platform interlock mechanism is moveable between an unlocked and a locked position. The platform interlock mechanism is in an unlocked position when no weight is placed on the wheelchair platform.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system that converts sheet stock material into resilient cushioning product has associated therewith a stock roll support assembly, including a mount, a pedal, and a linkage assembly. The pedal is supported on the mount for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis from a raised position to a depressed position and a pair of laterally spaced apart roll lifter arms cooperate to support therebetween the stock roll for lifting the stock roll from the loading position to the elevated operating position when the pedal is depressed. A stay is provided for holding the roll lifter arms in the elevated operating position to support the stock roll for paying out material therefrom for conversion into the cushioning product.

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 tow truck is disclosed equiped with an improved body assembly, underlift assembly and lifting boom assembly. The body assembly includes a left body unit and a right body unit. Each body unit has a structural unit and a plurality of exterior panhed to the structural unit. The structural unit is preferably formed from flanged aluminum panels that are attached by adhesive. The improved underlift assembly comprises a support arm coupled to the vehicle. A base is coupled to an end of the support arm, a boom base is pivotally attached to the base at a first pivot point and a boom is pivotally attached to the boom base at a second pivot point. A first actuator is coupled to the support arm and the boom base. The operation of the first actuator pivots the boom base with respect to the support arm. A second actuator is coupled to the boom base and the boom. The operation of the second actuator pivots the boom with respect to the boom base.

Abstract: A covering system for covering a transportable container with a tarp. The covering system includes a covering device provided with an extendable tarp. The covering device is mounted on a support structure which is manipulable to position the covering device to enable covering of a container which is unsupported by the vehicle. The covering device is preferably mounted to a hook arm which also functions to load the container onto the vehicle after the container is covered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dumpster and a lifting arm for lifting the dumpster and dumping the contents of the dumpster into a storage box. The dumpster includes an open top and is for storing garbage or some other material and is supported on the ground. The articulated lifting arm is usually mounted beneath a vehicle or other transportation apparatus having an open topped storage box. The articulated lifting arm is arranged for lifting the dumpster from the supporting surface to a position above the storage box for dumping any material stored in the dumpster into the storage box. The articulated lifting arm comprises hydraulic devices, a base member, and arm member, first positioning means, an attachment member, lifting devices, and dumping.backslash.positioning devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a tilt cylinder assembly for an underlift assembly for attachment to a recovery vehicle. The present invention provides for rotation of the horizontal member about a first and second pivot point. The first pivot point is where the lifters attach to the horizontal member. The second pivot point is formed by attaching a forward end of the horizontal member to a tilt cylinder assembly including at least one lifter. The tilt cylinder assembly lifter provides for movement of the second pivot point. By providing two pivot points, the operator of the underlift assembly is allowed more flexibility in positioning.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and carrying cargo on the bed of a pickup truck includes a chassis and a drive mechanism substantially contained within the chassis. The chassis is rigidly attached to the bed of a pickup truck. The drive mechanism is connected to an arm and operable to move a distal end of the arm back and forth between an unload position near the back of the pickup truck and a load position above a forward portion of the bed of the pickup truck. The distal end of the arm can be attached to a carrier assembly which includes a rack designed to carry a specific type of cargo. A remote control unit allows the user to manually control movement of the arm between the unload and load positions.

Abstract: A printing machine spindle lifting and transporting cart is described, for lifting and transporting printing machine spindles. The cart includes a cart frame with upright sides extending between front and back side edges. The upright sides further include a top spindle support surface. Wheels are positioned under the cart frame and for movably supporting the cart frame on a support surface. The wheels are situated adjacent the front and back side edges. A lift frame includes a lift handle adjacent the back side edges, and upstanding spindle engaging hooks are situated at a forward handle end. A spindle ramp surface extends from the hook toward the handle. The hook projects forwardly of the cart frame.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift, as for use with a vehicle, includes a platform for receiving a wheelchair carried as a pivot mechanism including two pairs of cooperating parallelogram structures adopted to be affixed to a vehicle for moving the platform between loading, entry and stowed positions by hydraulic actuation. A bridge plate structure is actuated by the pivot mechanism to be positioned as a bridge into the vehicle in the entry position, as a roll stop when a wheelchair is being carried and as a latch unit in the stowed position. A cam-cable mechanism actuates the bridge plate and the parallelogram structures of each pair are interlocked in moving between the stowed and entry positions.

Abstract: A dual capacity hook-lift hoist mounted on a wheeled chassis for use in loading detached objects, such as containers, onto the chassis for transport to any location. The hook-lift hoist is also operable to tilt a loaded container to dump its contents. The hook-lift hoist includes at least one hydraulic cylinder that is sized to have a maximum loading capacity that is below the safe limit of the truck but which is capable of dumping a container that is at least equal to the carrying capacity of the chassis.

Abstract: A battery changing system is provided for an electrically powered vehicle. The battery changing system includes a housing for the battery. The housing includes first and second spaced crossbars. A battery manipulating mechanism is mounted to the vehicle. This battery manipulating mechanism includes at least one outwardly projecting arm that is pivotally connected to the vehicle and driven by an actuator so as to raise and lower the battery. More specifically, the arm includes an upwardly directed recess for engaging the first crossbar on the battery housing and a downwardly directed saddle for receiving the second crossbar of the battery housing. A locking plate may be selectively extended to secure the second crossbar in the saddle.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved device for handling loads from a vehicle designed to be fitted on the loading platform of the vehicle, consisting of: one front section hinged on a rear section by a first pin, the rear section being hinged by a second pin on a sub-frame; one upper arm having a hook for gripping loads, at least one jack tilting in particular the front section around the first pin, the jack being linked in rotation by its rear end to the front section and by its front end to the sub-frame, and the device being characterized in that it has a temporary support on the sub-frame, in particular at the rear end of the jack, to establish at least a temporary force of reaction of the sub-frame on the rear end of the jack, at least during part of the movement of the rear section and in that the support consists of a sliding or running surface which defines part of the trajectory in particular of the rear end of the jack when the support is in action.

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).