Abstract: Bulk material storage apparatus including adjustable leg members and lift apparatuses and methods of using such apparatus.

Abstract: A method for loading and unloading rail cars includes at least one car, having a frame and a superstructure, moved into loading and unloading positions. During unloading the car superstructure is lifted off from the frame with lifting devices to an unloading level, and after the lifting operation the superstructure is moved at the unloading level in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal plane of the car until the superstructure is seated completely on a loading and unloading face. During loading the superstructure is moved from the loading and unloading face in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal plane of the car to above the frame and the superstructure is lowered, by lifting devices, onto the frame located in the loading and unloading positions. The lifting and lowering of the superstructures is carried out by lifting devices that are anchored to the track bed or secured to a platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traction vehicle (21) for semi-trailers (3), preferably for loading and unloading the semi-trailers (3) onto and off of a freight train (18), in particular, as part of the rolling highway, wherein the freight train (18) comprises several freight cars coupled to one another, in particular low-floor railcars (10), and a continuous driving lane in the longitudinal direction (20) of the train for moving the semi-trailers (3) on the freight train (18), wherein the traction vehicle (21) is unmanned and self-propelled, as well as a tractor-trailer unit (30) formed from the traction vehicle (21) and a semi-trailer (3), a method for transferring semi-trailers (3) from the railway (12) to the roadway and vice versa, as well as a freight transfer terminal thereto, and a method for transferring semi-trailers (3) from the railway (12) to the roadway and vice versa and for transporting the semi-trailers (3) on the railway (12).

Abstract: The invention outlined in the disclosure is a mobile delivery and technology center for provisioning and delivering electronic devices from a originating location to a target location or receiving campus. The center allows the transport of devices in the original equipment manufacturing (OEM) packaging, with an area designed for un-packaging and provisioning computers at the target location before installation.

Abstract: A post extending from a medical device facilitates transfer of the device between first and second support structures. Each of the first and second structures includes a mounting receptacle, configured to receive the post, fitting either tightly or loosely thereabout, depending on a position of the post along an axis of the receptacle. When the first receptacle holds the post and is moved in a first direction, the post may be moved into the second receptacle, which is then moved in a second direction, to tighten the second receptacle and loosen the first receptacle about the post. When the second receptacle holds the post, the first receptacle may be moved in the first direction, until the post enters the first receptacle, and, then, the second receptacle may be moved in a direction opposite to the second direction, to loosen the second receptacle and tighten the first receptacle about the post.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for palletizing cargo on a rack for shipment are provided. The system generally includes a tiered rack having a base tier, a support framework extending from the base tier, and a second tier adjustably attached to the support framework. The system may further include a plurality of lower frame support members positioned longitudinally across the bottom of the base tier, and a plurality of pneumatically actuated rollers spaced to cooperatively engage the plurality of lower frame support members, the rollers being selectively extendable from a plurality of raised tracks positioned longitudinally along a floor of the railcar, where the rollers are configured to pneumatically extend past an upper surface of the track when actuated and allow for linear motion there over.

Abstract: A method and cart for handling spacers used for spacing the wire mesh reinforcing cages used in the production of concrete pipe. The spacers are placed and shipped on hollow tubes laid in layers in a shipping container. The spacers are shipped to the user stored on these hollow tubes together with a mobile cart that has a vertical support containing a plurality of outwardly extending arms. When ready to be installed at the concrete pipe production site, a tube containing the spacers is removed from the shipping container and slipped over each arm. The cart can then easily be moved around the production location where the spacers for readily available for use in making the concrete product.

Abstract: A system and method for loading solid state materials into shipping containers including trucking containers is disclosed. The system includes a movable frame having walls extending therealong and a trolley incorporated to the movable frame for receiving solid state materials. The system further includes two self moving parts, a pair of pusher rods and a basket system incorporated to the trolley. The at least one trolley and the at least one frame may be moved by way of at least one electric motor. The system is configured to load solid state materials quickly and efficiently by way of an automated roller-tracked bucket mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a top mount method, a top mount system and a combination of forklift truck and carrying vehicle having such a top mount system. The top mount method differs from the known methods in that the forklift truck lifting assembly at least is provided with a remote control unit to permit the operator of the forklift to mount the forklift onto the carrying vehicle from a position remote from the forklift. The top mount system comprises a track having a carriage slidably mounted therein and a ram for moving the carriage relative the track. The obviates the need to use the drive of the forklift under remote operation. Finally, there is provided a combination of a forklift and a carrying vehicle having the top mount system which together provide a useful and safer alternative to the known combinations.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a palletized load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include a ramp configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The ramp may include at least one fixed portion. The ramp may also include a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion may be configured to support one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck, and move the one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a load is described. The apparatus employs a rack, which is vertically movable between a loading position and a rack transfer position. The rack has a ribbed structure. Further, a horizontally movable cart in the apparatus can shift between a cart transfer position and an unloading position. The cart, like the rack, is also a ribbed structure including a number of ribs. The rack ribs and the cart ribs are positioned to intercalate in the respective rack and cart transfer positions. The apparatus also includes a pusher for moving the cart from the transfer position to the unloading position.

Abstract: A container loader includes a loading ram and a side wall protector device for protecting side walls of a container, such as a trailer or a shipping container. The side wall protector device includes a pair of spaced-apart movable side plates with at least one actuator connected to the side plates. The side plates are selectively extendable into spaces adjacent the container side walls by the actuator and are retractable therefrom, such that the side wall protector device substantially contains a loading pressure within the container and substantially prevents the pressure from exerting force upon the container side walls.

Abstract: A method for collecting waste, wherein a disposer places a flexible dumpster near a waste disposal site whereby a truck-mounted forklift can be utilized to engage forks with the side portions of the flexible dumpster for loading and disposal. Accordingly, large dumpsters do not have to dropped off at the waste disposal site and large trucks no longer have to be utilized.

Abstract: A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.

Abstract: A mobility scooter device comprising an electrically powered wheeled vehicle provided with a lifting unit for lifting or lowering the vehicle. The lifting unit comprises an extendable lifting arm having two end portions a first end portion that is connected to the vehicle and a second end portion coupled to a support base provided with wheels. The lifting unit can be wheeled to bring the lifted vehicle over a transportation platform for mounting the vehicle body on the platform.

Abstract: A portable liquid-dispensing station includes a portable stand and a portable tank, each of which is capable of being carried by a single laborer. When assembled, the tank can sit on top of, and be supported by, the stand. A first opening formed at an upper portion of the tank can receive a liquid to be dispensed, and one or more openings formed in a lower portion of the tank allow the liquid in the tank to be dispensed through multiple dispensing valves. The dispensing valves are spaced around the outside of the tank, and operate independently to permit multiple users to draw liquid from the tank at the same time. A misting system can use a battery operated pump to draw liquid from the tank and pump the liquid to misters. A canopy can also be included to shade the tank, and the people using the portable station.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load.

Abstract: A multiple function landscaping method and system is capable of operating with or without a dump box. A lower lift, crane or hoist can be utilized by itself or in combination with an upper positioned dump box. The novel usage of a single truck bed to achieve such functions as tree delivery, debris removal and top soil delivery enables landscaping to be more efficiently and economically performed, thus providing a significant advantage to the environment.

Abstract: An overhead shuttle is controlled to support a bottom of an article while traveling. A transfer apparatus is controlled to hold the article from above the article, move the article between a position above the overhead shuttle and a position above stations provided on a side of a travel rail, and elevate and lower the article to transfer the article between the transfer apparatus and the station.

Abstract: A cargo storage for handling of cargo such as containers, comprising at least one unloading and loading appliance for unloading and loading of containers from or to a ship, train, truck or the like, and also a framework incorporating one or more movable main cranes for placing and retrieving containers in the cargo storage, and where the framework has outer lanes which are arranged in the at least partially surrounding one or more of the main cranes. Several auxiliary cranes in the outer lanes are arranged to move in parallel adjacent to the direction of movement of the main cranes in the framework, and to receive respective lifting devices, where said outer lanes parallel with the main cranes comprises the transfer points for transfer of the lifting devices between the auxiliary cranes and said main cranes, and that the lifting devices are arranged to circulate in said outer lanes and for a return to a holding location. Also described is an associated system and method.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention includes loading and carting system having support mechanisms each including pairs of telescoping members extending away from each other and an object sling extending between the pairs. The system further includes a reversible platform to which the support mechanisms are mounted, where the platform includes on a first side thereof a set of base portions in which the support members are mounted and on a second side thereof wheel mounts to which wheels can be mounted. The first side may be configured to support a bulky object during a carting process and the second side configured to support the object during a loading or unloading process.

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

Abstract: A system and method of growing, loading, and delivering plants which may include rolling trays adapted to roll into a truck trailer. The truck trailer may have rails at different heights allowing for the high density packing of trays within the trailer. The trailer may have a lift mechanism with rails which allows rolling trays to be placed onto the rails, or to be rolled onto elevated rails off of mating rails. The lift mechanism may be adapted to raise the rolling trays to different heights associated with the rails within the trailer.

Abstract: A lifting and lowering apparatus may include: at least one cable, at least one pulley connected to the at least one cable, at least one drive member connected to the at least one cable for driving the at least one cable in at least one direction, a moveable payload attachment member for attaching to a payload to be at least one of lifted and lowered, an attachment member guide attached to the moveable payload attachment member, and an alignment guide for positioning at a position. The moveable payload attachment member may be at least one of lifted and lowered by the at least one cable. Both the attachment member guide and the alignment guide may be shaped to force the attachment member guide into a pre-determined mating position and orientation against the alignment guide at the position.

Abstract: A transfer device for transporting parts includes a rotatable stand including first and second angularly spaced arms secured to the stand and able to rotate between a first location where parts are installed on the first arms and a second location where the parts are removed from the first arms, and actuators for raising and lowering the arms.

Abstract: Disclosed are a structural arrangement at a train station, and a method for receiving at least one container from a container freight train and disposing an empty container to the container freight train at the train station. The structural arrangement comprises a housing and at least one load maneuvering device. The housing comprises a floor member, a ceiling member, and two pairs of opposite side walls for configuring an interior area. The floor member comprises at least one closeable opening for providing accessibility to the interior area. The housing is disposed over at least one pair of train tracks, such that, the housing is placed directly above the container freight train. The at least one load maneuvering device receives the at least one container from the container freight train into the interior area, and disposes the empty container from the interior area to the container freight train.

Abstract: The invention relates to the loading and unloading of items of flight luggage in an airport.

Abstract: A cart for an outboard motor allows the motor to be installed on the cart, raised into a vertical position, and transported with relative ease. A storage, transportation and maintenance rack is also provided. The outboard motor cart fits into the storage, transportation and maintenance rack. When secured therein, the cart and rack, with the outboard motor installed, can be easily transported and/or stored. The cart and rack include additional features that fit within the profile of the cart and/or rack and allow for storage and transportation of fuel, oil and other components required for operation and maintenance of the motor. Methods for installing an outboard motor to an outboard motor cart and for installing the outboard motor cart and outboard motor into the storage, transportation and maintenance are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting construction equipment, and particularly backhoe loaders, to be transported in the hold of a seagoing vessel within the interior of an enclosed cargo container includes front and rear rollers that temporarily replace the wheels of the equipment and allow it to be driven into and out of the container without any disassembly of the equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for loading, transporting and dumping a plurality of containers on a vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a frame pivotally attachable a vehicle bed, an upper container engaging means and a lower container engaging means, both coupled to the frame. The upper container engaging means is moveable between a first height and a second height, the first height and the second height differing by greater than at least the height of a container. The lower container engaging means may be stowed and deployed. The upper container engaging means is moveable to the first height for loading a first container when the lower container engaging means is stowed. The lower container engaging means is deployed at the first height for loading the second container when the upper container engaging means is at the second height. The first container and second container may thereby be sequentially loaded and simultaneously transported on the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

Abstract: A machine includes a frame having a payload portion, an operator cab, and a crane disposed on a base connected to the frame between the payload portion and the operator cab. The machine further includes a headboard assembly connected to the frame and disposed between the base and the payload portion. A stabilizing pin arrangement includes a floating connection arrangement connecting the headboard assembly to the frame.

Abstract: A warehousing system for palletized cargo, and an automated loading/unloading system for use with the same. The warehousing system includes a feed conveyer and a plurality of storage racks. A traveling conveyor carries the cargo from the feed conveyor to the individual racks, and from the racks to a loading/unloading conveyor which carries the cargo to the loading/unloading docks. The traveling conveyor rides on a wheeled chassis that is guided between the receiving and discharge locations on tracks. The storage racks are stackable in tiers, and the traveling conveyor has a deck that raises and lowers to be level therewith. The automated loading/unloading dock includes a rigid, extensible plate having an upper surface for supporting a load of palletized cargo, with a drive mechanism being mounted to the inner end of the plate to translate it in and out of the transport vehicle. The plate carries a load of palletized cargo into or out of the transport vehicle en masse.

Abstract: A material-handler adapted for locating on top of an open topped railroad car includes a chassis mounted on tracks, and a first and second pair of outriggers extending from the chassis. Wheels and clamps are located at the distal ends of the outriggers to stabilize the material handler on the top of the railroad car. A knuckle boom is rotatably mounted on the chassis for manipulating cargo materials. The material handler of the invention also utilizes the clamps and wheels on the outriggers in conjunction with the boom to self-load and self-unload the material handler to and from the top of a railroad car, and to and from one care to another with possible different height and width. Operator safety is enhanced by allowing the operator to control the self-loading and unloading via remote control.

Abstract: A transport vehicle is provided including a structure adapted for receiving and holding a component carrier and a lifting mechanism adapted for lifting the component carrier received by the chassis. Further, a component carrier is provided, which is adapted for carrying loads. The component carrier includes a lifting portion for a transport vehicle and a support portion having a support surface adapted for supporting the load to be carried. Moreover, a system is provided including at least one transport module having a receiver portion adapted for receiving a support module, the transport module comprising a raising mechanism adapted for raising the support module and at least one support module adapted to fit in the receiver portion of the transport module and adapted to support loads to be transported.

Abstract: A method of transferring freight from a first location to a second location. The method comprises the steps of loading the freight onto a plate at the first location, the plate having an identifier linked to the freight, monitoring the movement of the plate using the identifier on the loaded plate, conveying the loaded plate onto a first transportation unit at the first location, transporting the loaded plate from the first location to an interim location using the first transportation unit, conveying the loaded plate from the first transportation unit onto a second transportation unit, transporting the loaded plate from the interim location to the second location using the second transportation unit, conveying the loaded plate from the second transportation unit at the second location, and unloading the freight from the plate.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A first guidance system is used to travel near the transport and a second guidance system is used to travel on the transport.

Abstract: Embodiments generally include a container tilter and method of tilting and/or loading a container which are more efficient and time and cost effective than previous apparatus and methods. Embodiments further include a backstop apparatus and method of using which allow for more effective, efficient, and time and cost savings in loading a container than previous methods and container loading apparatus. Additional embodiments include a weighing apparatus and method which provide efficient and time and cost effective weighing of materials within a container during loading and/or at one or more time intervals of the container loading process.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift having a logic module which provides several interlocks that promote proper operation is described. The logic module may be programmed to enable efficient user interface and to compensate for variations in lift operation parameters. In one embodiment, the wheelchair lift has an arm geometry which requires a lower peak force for operation.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring passenger-carrying vehicles to and from an amusement park ride conveying a train of vehicles without stopping for passenger loading. The assembly includes a transfer vehicle and a vehicle receiver positioned in the vehicle train. The vehicle receiver includes a connection mechanism, such as an electromagnet selectively operable to capture and release the transfer vehicle. A turntable is positioned adjacent to the track and selectively rotates at a rotation rate. The turntable includes an engagement mechanism, such as an electromagnet, on its periphery operable to capture and release the transfer vehicle (e.g., to capture when the vehicle receiver releases and vice versa). The rotation rate and the ride speed synchronize turntable rotation with travel of the train to mesh placement of the turntable engagement mechanism proximate to the connection mechanism of the vehicle receiver to facilitate hand off of the transfer vehicle without stopping the vehicle train.

Abstract: A conveyor system for a vehicle includes a belt auto-tensioning system that tensions the belt prior to belt movement but not necessarily during loading. Also included are a belt guidance system and a belt anti-slippage system. A fourth system aspect is a floating drive connection system with square or non-linear adaptor. Several benefits are obtained by using the conveyor system disclosed. Also provided are a method of using the conveyor system and a method of constructing a vehicle system combination conveyor.

Abstract: An unloading station and method for unloading bulk material from a moving railcar with a bottom discharge while the railcar is moving includes a track with a pair of rails. A synchronized parallel conveyor is oriented parallel with the pair of rails and forms a movable platform capable of receiving the bulk material in a pile extending into the railcar and drawing the pile along in synchronization with the railcar as the railcar moves. A hopper is disposed below a break in or end of the parallel conveyor to receive the bulk material. A lateral conveyor disposed under the hopper to convey the bulk material away from the hopper.

Abstract: A cargo rollout stop includes a base, and a guide head pivotally mounted to the base. The guide head is movable between a raised blocking position, and a lowered non-blocking position. A retraction pedal is pivotally mounted to the guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the guide head. The retraction pedal permits downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its second position, and blocks downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its it first position.

Abstract: There is provided a loading aid for facilitating loading and unloading of a container. An exemplary loading aid comprises a working platform that is adapted to be moved on at least three rollers, at least one of which is steerable. The exemplary loading aid further comprises an autonomous steering device that is adapted to steer the at least one steerable roller, to autonomously steer the working platform straight ahead to avoid touching a wall of the container and to autonomously steer the working platform away from the wall of the container until the working platform is aligned parallel to the wall of the container if the working platform touches the wall of the container.

Abstract: A liftgate assembly may provide a dock lock engagement member at the appropriate height and distance for easy and secure engagement to a dock lock mechanism and may also beneficially include an adjustment mechanism allowing normal operation of the liftgate assembly even when encountering ground obstructions.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel dolly is provided that includes a generally flat first plate, a first side wall, said first side wall extending generally upward from said first plate at a first side edge, a second side wall, said second side wall extending generally upward from said first plate at a second side edge, a rear wall, said rear wall extending generally upward from said first plate at a rear edge and intersecting said first side wall and said second side wall, a second plate, said second plate extending generally horizontally outward from said first side wall at a top edge, a third plate, said third plate extending generally horizontally outward from said second side wall at a top edge, at least one caster and wherein said first plate, said side first wall, said second side wall, and said rear wall create a well for accepting a tire and wheel assembly of a vehicle.

Abstract: A dumping tub and attachment may include a tub, mounting structure and caster wheel assembly. The mounting structure may be connected to the standard bucket of a utility loader. The mounting structure may be pivotally connected to the rear and bottom of the tub along a lateral axis. The caster wheel assembly may be connected to the front of the tub.

Abstract: A conveyor for loading items into a trailer, the conveyor comprising a transport surface with a discharge end and a receiving end, a belt or rollers on a top side of the transport surface that transports items over the transport surface, and a wheel assembly coupled to a bottom side of the transport surface at a distance of approximately L from the discharge end of the conveyor, where the distance L is approximately 75-88% of the length of the trailer. Embodiments of the invention may be used to safely transport items to and from a drop-frame trailer with a trailer conveyor assembly that is mounted on the bottom interior surface of the drop-frame trailer. Some embodiments of the invention may further comprise an obstruction sensor mounted on at least one of the bottom side of the transport surface between the wheel assembly and the discharge end of the transport surface, or on the discharge end of the transport surface.

Abstract: A method for transporting poultry in a coop trailer that includes a trailer section which can carry a number of tiers of poultry cages on its bed and has a vertically oriented tarpaulin system mounted thereon. The tarpaulin system includes tarpaulins which are suspended from a cable that extends between the front and rear ends of the trailer section. The tarpaulins can rapidly and easily be drawn back and forth along the sides of the trailer section to cover and uncover the cages. When the tarpaulins are fully extended along the sides of the trailer section, the tarpaulins effectively aid in preventing the birds from being buffeted about by excessive wind as the coop trailer travels along the roads. The tarpaulins also aid in maintaining a more constant temperature within the trailer section.